A method of communicating between radio units (10, 11, 12, 13) by transferring cells over a communication channel having repeating frames. A matrix (200) of frame positions is maintained, where a first dimension (X) of the matrix corresponds to positions in a frame and a second dimension (Y) corresponds to frames in a sequence of frames. A value (P) is associating with each frame position, representative of a minimum repeat number. A cell is allocated to a position in a frame and the cell allocation is repeated every Nth frame where N is an integer multiple of the repeat number (P). In another embodiment, a cell is transmitted at the selected position in the frame and an indicator is included in the transmitted cell, where the indicator represents an integer value N. Subsequent cells are transmitted at the selected position every Nth frame.

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is a mode of fast packet switching which allows systems to operate at a much higher rate than traditional packet switching systems. Features which characterizes ATM communications are: the ability for asynchronous operations between a sender clock and a receiver clock; transmission "cells" of pre-defined sizes; operation at a basic frame rate, with all transmissions being at integer multiples or devisors of the frame rate; and addressing carried out in a fixed size header (that is not by time, frame position or other fixed characteristic). ATM communication is sometimes also referred to as asynchronous time division (ATD) communications.
Attention has turned to the use of ATM for wireless or radio communications. There is, for example, a need for wireless users to have access to wired ATM networks and existing ATM systems such as multi-media applications need a wireless platform providing multi-media support. It is also recognized that systems such as universal mobile telephone systems (UMTS) and wireless local area networks (LANs) cannot meet all future data user needs. Efforts to date have been in the use of ATM in the wireless extension of fixed infrastructure systems, such as LANs and integrated service data network (ISDN).
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/641797, filed on 2 May 1996 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention describes a radio unit, a method of communicating between radio units over a communications channel and method of preparing a sequence of ATM cells for transmission over a radio channel and is incorporated herein by reference. In that patent application it is described how a channel can be considered as divided into frames and the start and end of a frame need not be synchronized across the system, provided that each two communicating units operate to the same frame length. Access by a radio unit to a frame location is described as implying access to the corresponding locations of subsequent frames. It is also described that some services may require a fractional number of cells per frame. While such an arrangement has the ability to provide much more efficient channel usage, efficiency may not be achieved if the manner of allocation of the available frame resources is not also efficient.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/641797 describes an etiquette (referred to as "SAMA") based on the use of ATM style packets over the air. An etiquette can be considered to be a set of rules, agreed upon by all participants, that provide a group of individuals the ability to cooperate in an activity without the requirement for mutual communication. A protocol differs from an etiquette in one important aspect; the devices participating in a protocol must be capable of mutual communication.
There is a need for a communications system that provides a simple bandwidth setup mechanism; supports devices with widely varying bit rates; reduces the number of "collisions" and support the development of both ad-hoc and centrally controlled protocols.
A goal in the development of an ATM etiquette is the simplification of procedures for gaining access to the channel. In more traditional systems, this can takes several hundred of milliseconds and consume considerable bandwidth. In SAMA, access to the channel is gained by sending a "probe cell" in the desired frame slot and receiving an acknowledgment (ACK) in the corresponding slot of the next frame. The time taken by this exchange is, of course, a function of frame size, but will typically be less that fifteen milliseconds.
Referring to FIG. 1, if a subscriber unit 10 sends a probe packet to a subscriber unit 14 in a slot that is in use by another pair of subscriber units 11 and 12, a collision occurs. The collision is confined to one data packet and has three possible outcomes: (i) the packet destined for subscriber unit 11 is destroyed and the packet destined for subscriber unit 14 succeeds; (ii) the packet destined for subscriber unit 14 is destroyed and the packet destined for subscriber unit 11 succeeds; (iii) both packets are destroyed.
There is a need for an efficient method of allocating frame locations in a wireless ATM communications system and minimizing collisions.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is now described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings.
______________________________________ Glossary of Terms ______________________________________ ATM Asynchronous transfer mode; LAN Local area network RSSI Received signal strength indication; SAMA "Simple" ATM Multiple Access; VCI Virtual circuit identifier; VPI Virtual path identifier. ______________________________________

Radio unit and method of communicating between radio units over a communications channel


A method for controlling a partially unsynchronized manual transmission, which realizes the increase of a rotational speed of a transmission part to be synchronized during a gear change procedure by connecting one element of the transmission, via a shiftable clutch, to a drive motor and by making available to this drive motor the required rotational speed as well as the necessary torque at its output shaft. It is also provided that when the rotational speed and/or the torque made available by the drive motor is not sufficient to ensure the synchronization of the manual transmission within a fixed time period, a shifting strategy is pursued, which prevents an unintentional holding of the manual transmission in its neutral position or idle position.

Manual transmissions have been used for a very long time in different type of motor vehicles. Since, particularly, piston driven internal combustion engines have relatively limited useful rotational speed ratios, the manual transmission is charged with the task of adapting the rotational speed ratio between the output shaft of such a drive motor and the rotational speed of the driven wheels, such that the drive motor can be operated within a desired rotational speed range. For this purpose, like the so-called continuously variable transmissions, which allow the setting of any desired transmission ratios, they are mainly used in step-by-step variable speed transmissions. These transmissions are characterized by a number of discrete gears with respectively different gear transmission ratios.
When changing a gear and also when engaging a gear speed from idle, the participating mechanical components, such as shafts and/or gear wheels, are initially slowed or accelerated to an approximately synchronous rotational velocity. For this purpose, when a clutch or driving clutch, between the drive motor and the transmission, is disengaged, the transmission is brought initially into the neutral position if a gear is previously engaged. The same as the components, which are to be brought into an active connection, are accelerated or slowed approximately to the synchronous speed.
Since the rotational speed of the transmission output is generally closely associated to the rotational velocity of the vehicle wheels, the rotational speed of the transmission input must be selected in correspondence with the rotational speed of the transmission output, taking into consideration the gear ratio of the engaged gear. While the slowing of a respective transmission shaft is generally achieved by way of brakes arranged inside or outside of the transmission, acceleration can be achieved within the transmission, via special synchronizing mechanisms, which are independent from the drive motor, but which are still quite complex.
Acceleration of transmission components of the transmission input can be achieved, however, in a particularly simple way by way of the drive motor itself. For this purpose, starting from the neutral position of the transmission, the driving clutch is engaged at least so far that a sufficiently great torque can be transmitted by the drive motor to the transmission input shaft.
The engine rotational speed is controlled such that the transmission input shaft is accelerated according to the specification. Therein, the driving clutch can be engaged in a rotationally fixed manner and the transmission input rotational speed can be set by way of the engine control of the drive motor. It is basically also possible that the engine rotational speed has a higher value than that set for the rotational speed required for transmission synchronization and that the actual synchronization of the shaft rotational speeds is carried out, via a corresponding control of the driving clutch and/or a braking mechanism. It is important here that the rotational speed of the drive motor is at least correspondingly high to increase the rotational speed of the transmission parts by way of synchronization and that the necessary kinetic energy is made available to the latter.
In at least partially unsynchronized transmissions such as these, it is possible that the drive motor is unable to provide the required rotational speed and/or sufficient torque for synchronization of the transmission to allow the desired gear to be engaged. The possible reasons for this are many and do not need to be further discussed at this point.
In a case such as this, engagement of the desired gear is not possible, because the corresponding transmission parts cannot be accelerated. With this, the transmission remains in a neutral position or it is incumbent upon a driver to select a gear, which can be engaged, via slowing of the transmission parts, to be synchronized, when this unexpected situation arises.
At this point, since the transmission input is separated from the drive motor, its rotational speed diminishes very quickly and only a short time span is left for the driver to attempt a shift such as this. From the driver's point of view, concerning a motor vehicle with an automatically shifting transmission, the transmission engages therein, without detectable reason, into the neutral position and the drive motor runs irregularly with a very low rotational speed or even stops. In such an operation case, a driver with a manually shiftable transmission experiences that when a gear change is required, the transmission shifts into idle and the engine displays the already described behavior.
In this situation, an average driver will hardly be able to identify and manually select a gear into which he can still shift so that when this happens the vehicle can normally coast with the transmission in the neutral position.
In specific malfunctions of the drive motor, it would indeed be possible to at least still drive for a short distance with the vehicle and reach the nearest highway exit ramp, a shop or at least get out of a dangerous situation, such as a highway entry ramp, even if the transmission would remain in the neutral position during the change of gear to a lower gear, because of the unavailable rotational speed increase or the insufficient available torque of the drive motor.
In addition, there are situations in which the defective state of the drive motor is present only for a short time so that driving can be initially continued, when it is possible to support the drive motor for a specific time by supplying kinetic energy from the vehicle wheels, via the manual transmission and the clutch.
Based on these circumstances, it is an object of the invention to present a method for controlling an at least partially unsynchronized manual transmission, which also prevents unintentionally holding the transmission in the neutral position, when the drive motor is unable to provide the rotational speed available with a sufficient torque, which is required for synchronization of the transmission.

Method for controlling a manual transmission in the event of a disorderly engine behavior


Systems and methods of detecting dead pixels of image frames are described including receiving a sequence of image frames, aligning, from the sequence of image frames, pairs of image frames, and for a given pair of image frames, determining differences in intensity of corresponding pixels between the aligned pair of image frames. The method also includes, based on the differences in intensity of corresponding pixels between the aligned pair of image frames, generating mask images indicative of areas in the pairs of image frames having moving objects. The method further includes determining, within the mask images, common pixel locations indicative of areas in the pairs of image frames having moving objects over a portion of the sequence of image frames, and based on a number of the common pixel locations for a given pixel location being above a threshold, identifying the given pixel location as a dead pixel.

Optical or image capture sensors are expensive and difficult to fabricate perfectly, and so in operation, such sensors often produce outputs that have a number of dead pixels due to manufacturing defects. A dead pixel may be a pixel (or area) in an image that includes data unrelated to an observed aspect of the environment. Dead pixels may refer to defects in the sensor that result in outputs being dark spots, bright spots, or inconsistent with respect to intensity of the observed aspect in the environment. Thus, the dead pixel includes unwanted data, or no data at all.
Outputs that include dead pixel data may result in false detections of moving objects in images, which generally is performed by identifying differences between subsequent frames in the images. Background or non-moving aspects of the images have little changes over a given sequence of images, while moving aspects will exhibit identifiable changes. However, dead pixel data that is inconsistent and possibly changing in random manners over the sequence of images, may contribute to detection of false moving images.

Methods and systems for detecting moving objects in a sequence of image frames produced by sensors with inconsistent gain, offset, and dead pixels


A jetspray nozzle for cleaning a photolithographic mask or semiconductor wafer and method for cleaning the same. The jetspray nozzle in one embodiment includes a water supply inlet, a gas supply inlet, a first row of gas injection nozzles communicating with the gas supply inlet, a mixing cavity defining a jetspray nozzle outlet, and a flow mixing baffle disposed in the cavity. The mixing baffle preferably is configured and arranged to combine gas and water in the jetspray nozzle for delivering a concentrated stream of gas with a cluster of micro water droplets entrained in the gas for removing contaminant particles from the mask. The jetspray nozzle is capable of cleaning photo masks or wafers without the use of chemicals. In one embodiment, the water may be deionized water and the gas may be nitrogen. In another embodiment, the jetspray nozzle further includes a second row of gas injection nozzles spaced above or below the first row of gas injection nozzles that communicate with the gas supply inlet.

Photolithography processes are used in semiconductor manufacture to pattern interconnect lines and other features for producing circuits on semiconductor wafer (substrate) surfaces. A conventional photolithography system generally includes components such as a light source, optical transmission and focusing elements, transparent reticles or photo masks, and process electronic controllers. The system is used to project a specific circuit or other feature image, defined by the mask reticle pattern, onto a semiconductor wafer coated with a light sensitive film (photoresist) coating. After image exposure, the film is then developed leaving the printed or other feature image of the circuit on the wafer.
Photo masks used today in semiconductor fabrication include conventional masks with a combination of circuit or other feature patterns formed by alternating transparent regions and opaque regions. Such photo masks typically consist of a substantially transparent base material such as quartz that allows the light to pass through certain regions with an opaque patterned layer having a desired circuit pattern formed thereon that prevents the light from passing through other certain regions. Materials such as chrome have been commonly used for forming the opaque layer and may typically have a thickness on the order of about 1,000 Angstrom. Other materials such as nickel and aluminum have also been used to form the patterned opaque layer on the surface of the photolithographic mask. Whereas conventional photo masks have a generally uniform thickness except for the very thin opaque chrome plated regions, phase shift masks or PSMs are photo masks in which certain regions of the transparent base material have different thicknesses. These latter "phase shift" regions cause a phase shift in the light traveling therethrough and minimize the effects of light diffraction through the photo mask for improved image resolution which may otherwise adversely affect formation of the intended pattern in the photoresist on the wafer. In some types of photo masks such as halftone phase shift masks, materials such as MoSiON has been used for the phase shifter material. In other instances, chromeless phase shift lithography (CPL) technology using chromeless masks have been used to the pattern the photoresist layer on the wafer.
As semiconductor fabrication technology advances to continually higher performing and smaller integrated circuit chips or dies, the accompanying circuits continue to become geometrically smaller and more densely packed on the chips. Accordingly, the pitch or spacing between circuit lines and other features formed on the wafer is concomitantly reduced.
Some problems associated with the shrinking circuit geometries found in the 90 nm and below semiconductor fabrication processes is contamination of the photo mask. As device features shrink, the minimum size threshold for surface contaminants that accumulate during use on the photo mask and which may adversely affect the photolithography process and proper patterning of the photoresist shrinks as well. Particulate contamination on the photo mask may cause defective images to be printed onto the semiconductor wafer which can render an entire chip unusable.
Periodic cleaning of photo masks is therefore necessary to extend mask life time by removing accumulated particulate from the surface of the masks to avoid defective printing and circuit formation problems. Some conventional approaches to cleaning photo masks has been the use of wet chemical cleaning processes using ammonia-based solutions such as SC1/APM (H2O2+NH4OH+H2O), DIH2/hydrogen water (H2O+H2+NH40H), and NGT (cluster H2O+ammonia gas). Photo mask cleaning may be enhanced by using these solutions in combination with acoustical Megasonic cleaning processes in both dip type or spin type (i.e. ultrasonic waves with frequencies typically higher than 700 KHz, such as 1 MHz and 3 MHz) known in the semiconductor industry. In conventional dip mask cleaning processes, the photo mask is placed into the chemical solution typically contained in a tank. Megasonic waves are then generated within the solution to improve particulate removal from the photo mask.
The foregoing chemical cleaning of photo masks, however, has drawbacks. These known process may seriously damage the pattern (opaque layer features) or sub-resolution assist features (SRAF). After chemical cleaning, an additional step of rigorously rinsing the photo masks with water must be also performed to remove residual ammonia which can otherwise lead to the formation and growth of precipitated chemical defects on mask's chrome pattern that may cause circuit printing and formation problems during photolithography. Such rinsing operations, however, are not always completely effective in removing all residual ammonia. In addition, the chemical cleaning processes raises environmental issues by generating waste chemical solutions that require costly proper disposal and is inconsistent with current "green" manufacturing process goals.
An improved non-chemical photo mask cleaning process is desired.

Jetspray nozzle and method for cleaning photo masks and semiconductor wafers

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.


A camera for forming an image of a scene that moves relative to the camera and the method of forming that image are disclosed. The camera includes an imaging array having a plurality of CMOS pixel sensors having a plurality of columns and rows, an imaging system, and a controller. The imaging system causes a portion of an image of a scene to be projected on the imaging array such that the image of the scene moves across the imaging array in the column direction. First and second images of the scene are formed at first and second times chosen such that the image of the scene moves a predetermined number of rows of the imaging array between the first and second times. The controller combines pixel values from rows in the first image with rows in the second image that are separated by the predetermined number of rows.

There are a number of situations in which an image of a scene that is larger than the field of view of a camera is required. One solution to this problem involves forming a number of sub-images in which each image is taken with the camera at a different position relative to the scene. The various sub-images typically overlap one another to some extent. The overlap is then used to combine the sub-images to produce the larger desired image.
Aerial photographic surveys typically utilize such a solution to generate an aerial view of a large geographic area that could not be photographed at the desired resolution in a single photograph. Typically, a camera is mounted on the underside of an aircraft that flies a predetermined pattern over the terrain to be photographed. Images are formed at predetermined intervals and combined later to provide the desired image.
The individual photographs must be taken under constraints imposed by the relative motion of the camera and the scene being photographed and by the lack of an auxiliary light source to improve the exposure. To prevent blurring of the image, the shutter speed must be very high. This constraint, in turn, limits the light that is available for any given exposure. The limited light cannot be augmented by an external light source such as a flash. Even in relatively bright daylight conditions, details in the shadows of trees or other objects may be lost due to the lack of light from these regions. Furthermore, the low light levels cannot be augmented by increasing the f-stop of the camera, since there is a minimum depth of field that is required for each photograph and that depth of field is determined by the variations in the terrain, not by the photographer.
In principle, the sensitivity of the camera can be increased by utilizing large lenses that collect more light. However, economic constraints limit this solution to the problem.
Another potential solution utilizes a scheme in which the overlap between the various images is increased so that each area on the final image is seen in a number of individual sub-images. The data for each pixel is then provided by combining the measurements from the corresponding sub-images, and hence, effectively increasing the exposure time.
However, there is a limit on the number of sub-images that can be taken. In digital photography, the image is projected onto an imaging array consisting of an array of individual light sensing elements that convert the light striking that element to an electric charge that is subsequently read out and digitized. The imaging array typically has several million sensing elements, and hence, the time to read out the imaging array into an associated memory for storage limits the number of frames that can be taken. In addition, the amount of high-speed memory needed to store all of the individual images increases the cost of the system. Finally, the substantial post photographic imaging processing needed to combine the various images to provide the desired composite image also presents substantial economic limitations on such solutions.

CMOS camera adapted for forming images of moving scenes


A braking system for a motor vehicle includes a hydraulic circuit for producing a brake force, the hydraulic circuit having a pressure source for producing a hydraulic pressure and a pressure store, the pressure store of the hydraulic circuit being able to be supplied with hydraulic fluid from a delivery side of the pressure source if necessary. In this braking system, there is provision for the pressure store to be able to be coupled in fluidic terms to an intake side of the pressure source by means of an interposed actively controllable multi-way valve, in particular a two-way solenoid valve, and for the pressure store to be able to be decoupled therefrom.

Various embodiments of a braking system for a motor vehicle are described herein. In particular, a braking system for a motor vehicle includes a hydraulic circuit for producing a braking force, the hydraulic circuit having a pressure source for producing a hydraulic pressure and a pressure store, the pressure store of the hydraulic circuit being able to be supplied with hydraulic fluid from a delivery side of the pressure source if necessary.
A braking system of this type is already known from the prior art. For instance, document DE 103 18 850 A1, and corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,861 B2, both of which are incorporated by reference herein, discloses a braking system in which the pressure store can be supplied with hydraulic fluid in accordance with the servo pressure present in the servo pressure circuit. The pressure store serves to compensate for pressure fluctuations in a braking operation. This prior art makes provision for the pressure store to be supplied with hydraulic fluid substantially only when the hydraulic pressure provided by the pressure source is freely available and does not have to be used in another manner, for example, in the context of a braking operation. However, this arrangement has the disadvantage that the pump must be constructed so as to be relatively powerful since the pressure differential present at the pump is relatively large. The pump has to pump hydraulic fluid from the pressure-free fluid reservoir into the servo pressure circuit which is in a state of relatively high pressure. Furthermore, owing to the relatively high pressure differential between the intake side and the delivery side, particularly at the beginning of the braking operation, the pump must be able to react in a very dynamic manner. The pump which must be constructed so as to be correspondingly powerful leads to increased costs for the braking system. Furthermore, when the pump is driven, the on-board electrical power network is also placed under relatively high loads.
A similar arrangement is further disclosed in the document GB 2 132 294A. In this document, the pump which must be constructed so as to be relatively powerful also conveys hydraulic fluid from the pressure-free pressure store into the fluid system which is in a state of relatively high pressure. The same disadvantages arise as set out above for the braking system according to DE 103 18 850 A1.
With regard to additional prior art, reference is generally made to the documents DE 195 42 656 A1, and corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,307 B1, both of which are incorporated by reference herein, DE 103 37 511 A1 and DE 103 11 060 A1, and corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,891 B2, both of which are incorporated by reference herein, which all disclose braking systems wherein a pressure store alone can be coupled or is coupled to the delivery side of the pressure source.
Finally, document DE 38 14 045 A1, and corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,038, both of which are incorporated by reference herein, discloses a braking system having an intermediate fluid store, the hydraulic fluid which is temporarily stored therein in a substantially pressure-free state being permanently available at the intake side of the pump.


According to one embodiment, the photovoltaic system includes a memory configured to store power generator characteristics to be applied to the photovoltaic system, a calculation section configured to calculate an output target value to be output by the photovoltaic system using the power generator characteristics read from the memory, an operation target value, system data of a power system, and output data from the photovoltaic system to the power system, and a photovoltaic section configured to supply a corresponding power to the power system based on the output target value calculated by the calculation section.

The photovoltaic system is expected to become a "zero emission power supply" as greenhouse effect gas is not discharged during power generation, and is being planned to be introduced in large amount in the future throughout the world.
For instance, patent document 1 (Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2007-274841) discloses a photovoltaic system and a photovoltaic plant comprising a solar battery array including a plurality of solar batteries, an inverter that converts the DC (direct current) power output from the solar battery array to the AC (alternating current) power, and a step-up transformer that steps up the AC power output from the inverter to high voltage. In the photovoltaic system having such configuration, the output is desired to be smoothened since the output fluctuates due to change in weather.
Patent document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 4170565) discloses a dispersed power supply system including: a power fluctuation smoothening device with a power storing unit, a charging/discharging unit, and a control unit; a dispersed power supply such as a photovoltaic solar cell; and a power converting device of a system interconnected type. In the dispersed power supply system having such configuration, the power storing unit is discharged when the output of the dispersed power supply is reduced and the power storing unit is charged when the output of the dispersed power supply is increased to thereby smooth the output.
In the synchronous power generator such as a fuel generator and a hydraulic generator that supplies power to the power system, the power generator characteristics of the power generator are fixedly defined once designed and manufactured. However, the conventional photovoltaic system and the power supply system that supplies the DC power and converts to the AC for output do not have the power generator characteristics of the synchronous power generator. The reasons thereof lie in that the conventional photovoltaic system and the like do not include a rotating portion such as the synchronous power generator, do not include a device for speed governing, and do not include a device of a so-called excitation system such as a voltage adjustment device.
Therefore, the conventional photovoltaic system and the power supply system cannot contribute to stable operation, that is, maintaining of stability, maintaining of frequency, and maintaining of voltage of the power system in cooperation with the synchronous power generator already introduced.

Photovoltaic system and power supply system


A switchgear device having a single-pole breaking unit which includes one of a pair of stationary contacts connected to a line-side current conductor, a movable contact bridge for closing and opening the stationary contacts, a line-side panel, a load-side panel opposite the line-side panel and two opposing lateral-side panels, which panels surround the stationary contacts and contact bridge, and form arc extinguishing chambers with a stationary contact within each chamber, an opening volume between chambers, and a quenching gas exhaust channel connected to a chamber, and opening through the line-side panel, which is opposite another load-side panel for contact with a trip device.

The invention relates to a switchgear device having at least one single-pole breaking unit. Said unit comprises a movable contact bridge, a pair of stationary contacts operating in conjunction with said movable contact bridge and respectively connected to a current input conductor. Said unit comprises two arc extinguishing chambers respectively opening onto an opening volume of the contact bridge.
The invention also relates to a circuit breaker comprising a switchgear device.

Switchgear device having at least one single-pole breaking unit comprising a contact bridge and circuit breaker comprising one such device


A chip package is provided. The chip package includes a chip, having a plurality of conductive pads disposed along a periphery of the chip, wherein the conductive pads have a width. A seal ring includes a plurality of metal strips disposed within a space between the two adjacent conductive pads. Each metal strip is electrically connected to at most one of the two adjacent conductive pads.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a chip package, and in particular relates to a sealing ring structure of a chip package.
2. Description of the Related Art
Wafer level packaging technology has been developed for packaging chips. After a wafer level package is completed, a cutting process is performed between each chip to separate the chips from each other. In order to reduce the probability of cracks, produced by the cutting process, extending to the inner side portions of the chip, a sealing ring is disposed between each chip to enhance chip package reliability. However, because the sealing ring occupies an extra area of a wafer, the amount of dies formed on the wafer is reduced.


According to an embodiment, an electronic circuit is described comprising a processing circuit, a power supply configured to supply power to the processing circuit via two supply nodes; a determiner configured to determine whether the voltage between the two supply nodes is above a predetermined reference voltage; and a clock generator configured to generate a clock signal for the processing circuit wherein the clock generator is configured to if the determiner determines that the voltage between the two supply nodes is again, after pausing the generation of clock edges, above the predetermined threshold the clock generator generates a clock edge irrespective of whether it is currently a time point given by the predetermined periodicity.

In some applications, the power supply current of an electronic circuit which is available to operate a processing circuit (e.g. of a synchronous digital device) is variable and may be insufficient to operate the processing circuit at the maximal clock frequency that is supported by the electronic circuit. This issue may be addressed by controlling the clock generation for the processing circuit in order to prevent the power supply voltage to drop under a minimal allowed value. Approaches for an efficient clock regulation that allows high performance with respect to the available current are desirable.

Electronic circuit and method for providing a clock signal


A temperature controller comprises a bimetallic switching mechanism that switches in response to a predetermined temperature, a lower housing part receiving the switching mechanism, a cover part closing off the lower housing part, and a substantially inert film that is arranged between the lower housing part and the cover part. The substantially inert film comprises a polyimide. The film comprises a mechanical seal between the lower housing part and the cover part.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a temperature controller having a bimetallic switching mechanism that switches in response to a predetermined temperature, a lower housing part receiving the switching mechanism, a cover part closing off the lower housing part, and a substantially inert polyimide film that is arranged between the lower housing part and the cover part.
2. Discussion
Temperature controllers of this kind are known from the related art. In the case of the known temperature controllers, the lower housing part and the cover part are made of conductive material, preferably of metal, so that they are very stable and pressure-resistant.
As a rule, the bimetallic switching mechanism comprises a spring disk that is braced at its rim against the bottom of the lower housing part and carries in its center a movable contact element which it presses against the inside of the cover part, where a fixed countercontact is arranged. A bimetallic snap disk, which below its switching temperature rests unconstrainedly on the spring disk, is slipped over the moving contact element. Contact to a temperature controller of this kind is made via the cover part and the lower housing part, the current flowing from the cover part through the countercontact and the spring disk to the lower housing part.
If the temperature of the bimetallic snap disk increases impermissibly, it snaps over from its convex shape into a concave shape, in which it lifts the movable contact element away from the countercontact against the force of the spring disk and thus opens the circuit. It is necessary for this purpose that the cover part be insulated with respect to the lower housing part, which is accomplished by means of a substantially inert polyimide film.
The substantially inert polyimide film of the present invention also covers the inner side of the cover part, so that the bimetallic snap disk which, in its high temperature position, is braced at its rim cannot produce a short-circuit between the cover part and the spring disk.
It is known to use, instead of the substantially inert polyimide film, a different insulating film that can be made, for example, of a polyamide or aramide paper or of polytetrafluoroethylene. The thickness of the substantially inert polyimide film in one embodiment is 75 micrometers, this thickness being determined by the desired electric strength. It should be mentioned that in the open-circuit state, there is a voltage drop across the substantially inert polyimide film which can correspond to the level of the mains voltage.
It is advantageous for the operation of the temperature controller as described so far that no dust, moisture, or liquid get into the interior of the temperature controller, so as to prevent any impairment of the function of the bimetallic switching mechanism. Dust and liquid can, for example, result in undesirable tracking currents or insulated areas which can negatively influence the reliable operation of the temperature controller. Damage to the switching mechanism can also occur.
In order to achieve the required sealing, in the related art the temperature controller, equipped with connecting leads, is encased with epoxy, silicone, or other encasing compounds, either entirely or only on the surfaces at which there are opportunities for dust, water, oil, etc. to penetrate. These encasing operations require additional cost-intensive operations.
It is furthermore known to slide heat-shrink tubing over the temperature controllers, once they have been equipped with connecting leads, in order to achieve electrical insulation.

Temperature controller having a polyimide film


A data storage device and method for enabling endurance re-evaluation are provided. In one embodiment, a data storage device is provided comprising a memory and a controller. The controller is configured to receive data and a first storage requirement for the data from a host; store the data in a first group of memory cells in the memory, wherein the first group of memory cells satisfies the first storage requirement; receive a notification from the host that the first storage requirement has changed to a second storage requirement; and move the data from the first group of memory cells to a second group of memory cells in the memory, wherein the second group of memory cells satisfies the second storage requirement. Other embodiments are provided.

A host can store data in and retrieve data from a memory in a data storage device. Data storage devices that operate under the Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) specification enable a host to group data to be stored in the memory according to an endurance requirement. This enables a host to segregate data from various ones of its applications and stream the segregated data to the appropriate storage endurance group in the memory (e.g., data that requires high endurance is streamed to high endurance memory cells, while data that requires low endurance is streamed to low endurance memory cells).

Data storage device and method for enabling endurance re-evaluation


A client/server printer driver including a client-side subsystem capable of transmitting a print job to a server-side subsystem capable of receiving the print job from the client-side and processing the print job and sending the processed data back to the client-side for output. A client/server printer driver including a client-side subsystem capable of dividing the print job into portions to be processed client-side and server-side and then transmitting the server-side portions of the job to a server-side subsystem capable of processing the client-side portions of the print job to create and receiving the processed server-side portions. The system has a server-side subsystem capable of receiving the server-side portions from the client-side subsystem and processing these portions to create processed server-side portions and transmitting the server-side portions to the client-side.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to printer drivers. In particular, the present invention relates to a client/server printer driver system useful for carrying out print jobs on Network Computers ("NCs"), network appliances, and other non PC devices capable of printing.
2. Background of the Invention
Network Computers are small computers that are connected to a local area network ("LAN") or to the Internet and contain significant local processing intelligence. Such NCs are capable of running applications that are either downloaded from the LAN or Internet or are loaded from unalterable local storage (e.g., read-only CD-ROM). NCs generally have no local permanent storage, instead storing information remotely. Thus, NCs are highly dependent on the network. Furthermore, NCs are characterized by the usage of nontraditional operating systems, often using television monitors for displays and having limited local capabilities. The presently contemplated target markets for NCs are:
Home--Designed for ease of use, novice customers PA1 Education--Permits less expensive solution than traditional PC's with more control PA1 Business--Less expensive connections and more control at server/MIS level
Similarly, network appliances (such as Internet telephones, etc.) are special-purpose devices that contain computing capability and may connect to a centralized server, LAN, or the Internet.
Traditional Personal Computer ("PC") printer drivers are designed to be used on the PC where the application that is generating the print request resides. One sample driver system is shown in FIG. 1. The application 130 converts the desired print data into GDI 132 or other text commands and graphics primitives with associated page positions and/or forms controls. The print job may be spooled 150 (i.e., stored) to allow the user to resume working with the application 130. These commands may be formatted by the driver 100 into a recognizable industry defined data definition (e.g. PCL) or the printer driver 100 may use the application 130 and/or platform intermediate commands (e.g., Microsoft Windows.TM. GDI primitives) and act on these commands to create internal direct printer commands 170 to control the printer hardware 120. The printer does not necessarily need to be physically attached to the PC 110 where the application 130 and driver 100 reside, but may be remotely located such as on a LAN network (not shown).
One benefit of having a PC-side printer driver system is the movement of the processing into the PC itself (rather than at the printer), thereby permitting more flexibility and control. Another benefit of this system is that more advanced functions are possible by using a more powerful host PC, while permitting cost minimization of the printer hardware itself.
As one tries to fit the traditional host based printer driver models into the Network Computer model (as shown in FIG. 2), there are problems that result from limitations of the NC. Problems with current solutions in NC environments stem from the fact that NC devices have only a very limited amount of random access memory ("RAM") and no permanent storage (to allow them to achieve their minimal cost targets). In contrast, almost all standard PC printer drivers use local spooling to the local permanent storage. This is generally not possible with an NC. Also with small amounts of local RAM, 4 MB typically, there is often insufficient memory for the driver, application, and print data, especially if there are color bitmaps or complex graphics images to be printed. Also, many of the NC devices that are being developed today have different operating systems and have different API and/or GDI interface definitions which makes developing a printer driver extremely cumbersome. Thus, the additional platform support requires generation of new software drivers.
Traditional printing implementations on NCs 210 (FIG. 2) have followed the standard printing model. For instance, in the NC system, a server 200 is used to load applications 130, communicate with the network, and store data needed by the NC 210. The NC 210 itself runs the application 130 which might request printing. The other implementation details are the same as in the standard printing model for PCs (see FIG. 1).
The benefits of this traditional NC printing model are 1) its similarity to current driver models and 2) that GUI models are known by platform already. However, the NC system raises the following drawbacks of this printing model. There are severe memory and graphics limits on NCs. Also, NC hardware differences present unique issues with respect to operation of software thereon and the hardware which may be connected to an NC. Also, the traditional spooling system may be unacceptable where the NC is limited in storage space and/or memory and, therefore, potentially unable to handle even modest size print jobs, especially those containing significant amounts of graphical data. This printing system does not work with NCs that have minimal RAM.


Disclosed are a sort processing method and a sort processing apparatus, which, in a computer or data processing, compare magnitudes of pieces of data input by hardware, rearrange the pieces of data in accordance with a predetermined order and output the rearranged pieces of data. The sort processing apparatus includes first basic cells, each of which is composed of a first data comparator for comparing magnitudes of pieces of input data with each other and for outputting a first select signal, and a first data selector for rearranging said compared pieces of input data in a magnitude order on the basis of said first select signal, wherein said first basic cells having the same number as that of combinations of pieces of input data to be compared are arranged in a pipeline configuration.

The present invention relates to a sort processing method and a sort processing apparatus, which, in a computer or data processing, compare magnitudes of pieces of data input by hardware, rearrange the pieces of data in accordance with a predetermined order and output the rearranged pieces of data.
Algorithms are adopted by software executed by a computer to carry out a sorting process as part of data processing. The easiness of programming of the software, the size of a memory for storing the programmed software and the shortness of a time required for execution of the software vary from algorithm to algorithm. A variety of examples of the algorithms include merge sort, bubble sort, heap sort and quick sort. The algorithm that is considered to be the most superior among them is the quick-sort algorithm.
These algorithms are each implemented as software executed by a computer sequentially. The performance of each algorithm is evaluated from the length of a time required to process a predetermined number of pieces of data being sorted, the number of repetitions of comparison and other criteria.
With the progress of semiconductor technologies and other progress represented by an LSI (Large Scale Integration), sort processing carried out so far by execution of software can now be performed by hardware as well.
The conventional hardware-based sort processing apparatus shown in FIG. 8 compares each input data in accordance with a diallel equation, and results of comparison are summed up. The sum is used as a priority level of the input data. Sort processing is then carried out by selecting input data in accordance with the priority level.
The sort processing apparatus shown in FIG. 8 is a matrix with signals lines from eight input terminals X1-(0) to X1-(7), each serving as a row stretched into the horizontal direction, and signals lines from eight input terminals Y1-(0) to Y1-(7), each serving as a column stretched into the vertical direction. The input terminals X1-(0) to X1-(7), each receive input data and the input terminals Y1-(0) to Y1-(7) also each receive input data.
The input terminals X1-(0) to X1-(7) receive pieces of input data 1-(0) to 1-(7) respectively. That is to say, input data received by an input terminal X1-(0) is denoted by reference numeral 1-(0), which is the input terminal's reference numeral X1-(0) excluding the alphabetic character X. By the same token, the input terminals Y1-(0) to Y1-(7) receive the same pieces of input data 1-(0) to 1-(7) respectively. That is to say, input data received by an input terminal Y1-(0) is denoted by reference numeral 1-(0), which is the input terminal's reference numeral Y1-(0) excluding the alphabetic character Y. Thus, the input terminal X1-(0) receives the input data 1-(0) which is also received by the input terminal Y1-(0).
The matrix of the sort processing apparatus is a matrix of comparators 2-(01) to 2-(07) compare the input data received by the input terminal X1-(0) with pieces of input data, which are received by the input terminals Y1-(1) to Y1-(07) respectively.
By the same token, the comparator 2-(10) and the comparators 2-(12) to 2-(17) compare the input data received by the input terminal X1-(1) with pieces of input data received by the input terminal Y1-(0) and the input terminals Y1-(2) to Y1-(7).
In the same way, the comparators 2-(20) to 2-(27) compare the input data received by the input terminal X1-(2) with pieces of input data received by the input terminals Y1-(0) to Y1-(7). Likewise, the comparators 2-(70) to 2-(76) compare the input data received by the input terminal X1-(7) with pieces of input data received by the input terminals Y1-(0) to Y1-(7).
An adder 3-(0) sums up comparison results of seven bits output by the comparators 2-(01) to 2-(07). By the same token, an adder 3-(1) sums up comparison results of seven bits output by the comparator 2-(10) and the comparators 2-(12) to 2-(17). In the same way, adder 3-(2) sums up comparison results of seven bits output by the comparators 2-(20) to 2-(27). Likewise, an adder 3-(7) sums up comparison results of seven bits output by the comparators 2-(70) to 2-(76) A converter 5 converts the priority levels D40 to D47 output by the adders 3-(0) to 3-(7) respectively into 3-bit priority signals D60 to D67 respectively. The 3-bit priority signals D60 to D67 each indicate which piece of input data is largest.
Multiplexers 7-(0) to 7-(7) each receive eight pieces of data through input terminals Z1-(0) to Z1-(7). These eight pieces of input data are the same pieces of input data supplied to the input terminals X1-(0) to X1-(7) and Y1-(0) to Y1-(7). That is to say, input data received by an input terminal Z1-(0) to Z1-(7) is denoted by reference numeral 1-(0) to 1-(7), which is the input terminal's reference numeral Z1-(i) excluding the alphabetic character Z or reference numerals X1-(0) to X1-(7) and Y1-(0) to Y1-(7) without the alphabetical characters X and Y respectively.
In accordance with the 3-bit priority signals D60 to D67 output by the converter 5, the multiplexers 7-(0) to 7-(7) each select one of the eight pieces of input data supplied to the input terminals Z1-(0) to Z1-(7). The multiplexers 7-(0) to 7-(7) select pieces of input data, which are different from each other, sorting the eight pieces of input data. The multiplexers 7-(0) to 7-(7) supply the sorted pieces of input data to output terminals 8-(0) to 8-(7) respectively.
In the configuration described above, the comparators 2-(01) to 2-(07) compare the magnitude of the input data received by the input terminal X1-(0) with the magnitudes of the pieces of input data received by the input terminals Y1-(1) to Y1-(7) respectively. If results of the comparison indicate that the magnitude of the input data received by the input terminal X1-(0) is smaller than the magnitudes of the pieces of input data received by the input terminals Y1-(1) to Y1-(7), the signals output by the comparators 2-(01) to 2-(07) will each be set to an active state to indicate the results of the comparison.
To put it concretely, the signals output by the comparators 2-(01) to 2-(07) are active if the results of the comparison indicate that the magnitude of the input data received by the input terminals X1-(0) to X1-(7) is smaller than the magnitudes of the pieces of input data received by the input terminals Y1-(0) to Y1-(7). For example, the signal output by the comparator 2-(01) is active if the result of the comparison indicates that the magnitude of the input data received by the input terminal X1-(0) is smaller than the magnitude of the input data received by the input terminal Y1-(1).
The comparison results output by the comparators 2-(01) to 2(07) are supplied to the adder 3-(0), which sums up active comparison results, generating a priority level D40 representing the sum of the active comparison results.
By the same token, the comparator 2-(10) to 2-(17) compare the input data received by the input terminal X1-(1) with pieces of input data received by the input terminal Y1-(0) to Y1-(7), outputting active or inactive signals representing the results of the comparison. In the same way, the comparators 2-(20) to 2-(27) compare the input data received by the input terminal X1-(2) with pieces of input data received by the input terminals Y1-(0) to Y1-(7), outputting active or inactive signals representing the results of the comparison. Likewise, the comparators 2-(70) to 2-(76) compare the input data received by the input terminal X1-(7) with pieces of input data received by the input terminals Y1-(0) to Y1-(6), outputting active or inactive signals representing the results of the comparison.
The comparison results output by the comparator 2-(10) to 2-(17) are supplied to the adder 3-(1), which sums up active comparison results, generating a priority level D41 representing the sum of the active comparison results. Likewise, the comparison results output by the comparators 2-(70) to 2-(76) are supplied to the adder 3-(7), which sums up active comparison results, generating a priority level D47 representing the sum of the active comparison results.
The converter 5 converts the priority levels D40 to D47 supplied thereto by the adders 3-(0) to 3-(7) respectively into 3-bit priority signals D60 to D67 respectively. The 3-bit priority signals D60 to D67 each indicate the size of each piece of input data.
In accordance with the 3-bit priority signals D60 to D67 output by the converter 5, the multiplexers 7-(0) to 7-(7) each select one of the eight pieces of input data supplied to the input terminals Z1-(0) to Z1-(7). The multiplexers 7-(0) to 7-(7) select pieces of input data, which are different from each other, sorting the eight pieces of input data, and supply the sorted pieces of input data to output terminals 8-(0) to 8-(7) respectively.
Assume that the number of pieces of input data to be compared is N. In this case, in general, the total number of comparison of input data is theoretically equal to the number of possible combinations of two pieces extracted from the N pieces of input as follows;The number of comparison of input data=N×(N−1)/2  (1)
However, since the conventional sort processing apparatus described above compares pieces of input data by using a matrix of comparators in accordance with a diallel equation, the number of required comparators is expressed as follows:The number of comparators=N×(N−1)  (2)
It is obvious that the number of comparators expressed by equation (2) is twice the minimum number of theoretically required comparators, which is expressed by equation (1).
In addition, after comparison, the sort processing apparatus carries out numerous kinds of rearrangement processing such as additions, conversion and multiplexing. It means that implementation of sort processing by hardware entails an increased circuit size. Furthermore, if the number of pieces of input data rises, not only does the circuit size increase, but the processing time also becomes longer as well.
Moreover, the circuit of the converter 5 for converting results of comparison is difficult to implement. Since the larger the number of pieces of input data is, the more complex the circuit of the converter 5 becomes, and there raises a problem of inconvenience encountered in the hardware implementation of the sort processing apparatus.

Sort processing method and sort processing apparatus


The invention is directed to an illumination device for microscopes which is provided with a halogen lamp with a reflector and a filament extending in direction of the optical axis and a scatter disk and which enables a homogeneous illumination of the visual field without additional optical components.

a) Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to an illumination device for microscopes which is suitable particularly for brightfield illumination.
b) Description of the Prior Art
The object of an illumination device for microscopes is to illuminate the visual field completely and uniformly. Since practically all of the light sources that are used generate an inhomogeneous light distribution in the visual field or in the planes conjugate to the visual field, corresponding steps must be taken to make the illumination homogenous. In microscopy, special halogen lamps are usually employed. These special halogen lamps have filament surfaces arranged vertical to the optical axis of the illumination device and have the largest possible illumination surface, although the latter is generally rectangular or square, that is, deviates from the circular shape of the visual field or conjugate fields. It is known to project the image of the filament surface directly next to or at a slight offset to the filament by means of a suitable reflector so as to generate an increase in the luminous area or a reduced filament structuring of the luminous area. However, the homogeneity of the illumination obtained in this way is often still not sufficient to meet the requirements for microscopy that are necessary in particular for applying Köhler illumination. Therefore, a large number of suggestions have been made for the elimination of this disadvantage. These suggestions generally consist in introducing special optical elements into the beam path, which special optical elements themselves do not have a homogeneously distributed light transparency. It is known from AT-PS 183 246 to arrange a matt surface with a circular non-matt surface portion in the beam path. DE 41 02 507 discloses a deflector disk having a plurality of individual prisms which are uniformly distributed over the entire surface and which image the light source in the aperture stop plane with a plurality of secondary images. EP 613 569 describes a raster disk with a plane-parallel outer area allowing an unobstructed passage of light and a circular inner area which is formed as a raster which images the light source multiple times. It is known from DE 198 32 665 to use a graduated gray filter having a radial grayscale graduation that is radially symmetric with respect to its center and in which the absorption coefficient of the filter decreases toward the edge. The light intensity which generally falls off toward the outer side according to the cosine law is compensated in this way. In order to realize this grayscale graduation, the text proposes arranging small opaque surface elements on a glass disk in such a way that the local surface ratio between the applied surface elements and the uncoated glass disk determines the transmittance of the filter. Since all of the proposed solutions still generate small residual inhomogeneities of the light intensity in the visual field, a scatter disk is usually used in addition to blur these inhomogeneities.
All of these known solutions have a number of disadvantages. For example, the production of these raster plates or filters is complicated and therefore expensive. The special halogen lamps with rectangular filament surfaces that are used are also relatively expensive. A considerable portion of the light energy is lost through the additional optical elements arranged in the beam path, which leads to the use of higher-output lamps which, in turn, give off increased heat and accordingly require additional steps for eliminating this heat.


An apparatus for controlling a feedback loop includes a digital finite impulse response filter configured to equalize digital samples to yield equalized data, a data detector circuit configured to detect values of the equalized data to yield detected data, a pattern detection circuit configured to detect at least one pattern in the detected data, an expected value comparison circuit configured to compare the digital samples corresponding to the at least one pattern with an expected value, and a feedback loop adaptation circuit configured to control a feedback loop based in part on whether the at least one pattern is detected by the pattern detection circuit and on an output of the expected value comparison circuit.

Various data processing systems have been developed including storage systems, cellular telephone systems, and radio transmission systems. In such systems data is transferred from a sender to a receiver via some medium. For example, in a storage system, data is sent from a sender (i.e., a write function) to a receiver (i.e., a read function) via a storage medium. As information is stored and transmitted in the form of digital data, errors are introduced that, if not corrected, can corrupt the data and render the information unusable. The effectiveness of any transfer is impacted by any losses in data caused by various factors. For example, as the recording density of magnetic disk drives increases, the noise, jitter and distortion increases, making it more difficult to recover the original data. Feedback loop adaptation can facilitate recovery of original data, however, adapting a feedback loop based on erroneous data can cause divergence in feedback loop elements being adapted.

Loop adaptation control with pattern detection

Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.


In a differential amplifier, when an output node of an output buffer circuit is short-circuited to a high potential supply node, the difference between the potential at an output node of an amplifying circuit and the potential at the output node of the buffer circuit becomes so great as not to be produced in normal operation. A short-circuit protection circuit detects such a state and interrupts or limits a base current supplied to an output transistor of an output pull signal generating circuit, suppressing the flow of excess current into the output node of the buffer circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a differential amplifier comprising an amplifying circuit for amplifying and outputting a difference voltage between a non-inverting input node and an inverting input node, and further comprises an output buffer circuit for outputting a signal based on the output of the amplifying circuit. More particularly, the present invention relates to a differential amplifier having a protection circuit that protects an output buffer circuit when its output node is short-circuited to a high potential supply node, a low potential supply node, or a low impedance portion, such as an output node or the like, of some other circuit.
2. Background Art
In any known differential amplifier having an amplifying circuit and an output buffer circuit, when an output node of a load-connected output buffer circuit is short-circuited to a high potential supply node, a low potential supply node, or a low impedance portion, such as an output node or the like, of some other circuit, there exists a danger that an excess current will flow in the output stage of the output buffer circuit.
In order to eliminate such a danger, an improved differential amplifier may be contrived, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, incorporating a protection circuit. In FIG. 5, there are included an amplifying circuit 21 driven by a supply voltage and amplifying a difference voltage between a non-inverting input node and an inverting input node; an output buffer circuit 22 driven by the same supply voltage as applied to the amplifying circuit 21; a sense resistor 23 for converting into a voltage the current flowing in the output stage of the buffer circuit 22; and a comparator 24 for comparing the voltage generated across the sense resistor 23 with a reference voltage and, in response to an increase in the voltage across the sense resistor 23 beyond the reference voltage, interrupting or limiting a base current supplied to a transistor or transistors constituting the output stage of the buffer circuit 22.
In such a protection circuit, the current flowing in the output-stage transistor of the output buffer circuit 22 is converted by the sense resistor 23 into a corresponding voltage and detected to determine whether the voltage is higher than a threshold voltage. If the voltage is higher than the threshold voltage, the current flowing in the output-stage transistor of the output buffer circuit 22 is interrupted or limited.
More specifically, when a short-circuit occurs between the output node of the output buffer circuit 22 and the high potential supply node, then a current flows from the high potential supply node, via the output node of the output buffer circuit 22, the output-stage transistor thereof, and the sense resistor 23, to the low potential supply node (GND). At this time, the voltage generated across the sense resistor 23 is determined by the current flowing in the sense resistor 23 and the sense resistance (=sense voltage).
If the sense voltage is higher than a threshold voltage (reference voltage), the comparator 24 interrupts or limits the base current supply (output pull signal generating circuit) to the output-stage transistor of the output buffer circuit 22, thereby preventing any excess current from flowing into the output of the buffer circuit 22.
However, when the current flowing into the output-stage transistor of the output buffer circuit 22 is reduced, the current flowing in the sense resistor 23 is also reduced and lowers the voltage generated across the sense resistor 23. Then, the comparator 24 halts interruption or limiting of the base current supply (i.e., an output pull signal generating circuit) to the output-stage transistor of the output buffer circuit 22, thereby allowing the current to flow again into the output-stage transistor of the output buffer circuit 22. This action is repeated during the short-circuited state.
Since the sense resistor 23 is connected in series to the output-stage transistor of the output buffer circuit 22, the dynamic range at the output node of the output buffer circuit 22 is narrowed by a value corresponding to the sense voltage generated across the sense resistor 23.

Differential amplifier having a protection circuit

Mitsubishi Electric Engineering Co., Ltd.


A sheath is configured for elongation from a first length to a second, longer length and a retention member retains the sheath at the first length. A portion of the retention member is removed or disengaged, the sheath is released and expands in situ to the second longer length. A method for releasing the retention member is also disclosed.

An anastomosis, or the joining of two vessels, such as esophagus, colon, or other parts of the digestive tract, is a common procedure. Sheaths may be placed over the anastomotic site to protect the anastomotic site during healing.
Specific patient populations such as patients with diabetes T1, T2, or other immuno-compromised patients {such as chemotherapy patients) are more prone to anastomotic leaks. These patient populations have longer healing profiles and sometimes weaker immune systems and these factors may lead to an increase in leak occurrence. Unfortunately, in most cases, anastomotic leaks are not detected until clinical symptoms present themselves.
Copending, commonly assigned patent applications 61/079,198, 61/079,200, and 61/079,202 disclose various embodiments of sheaths which may assist in decreasing leaks and the risks associated with anastomotic leaks. However, it would be advantageous to retain the sheath in a compressed position at least for insertion.

Methods and devices for sheath compression


An object recognition method of a refrigerator is disclosed. The disclosed object recognition method of a refrigerator comprises the steps of: obtaining a captured image of a storage compartment of a refrigerator; checking the change in the imaging direction of an image capturing device which has captured the image of the storage compartment, when a change in the captured image is confirmed compared to a previously stored image; and performing an object recognition operation of the captured image when the imaging direction is maintained.

A refrigerator may refer to an electronic apparatus (or home appliance) for keeping edible and drinkable foods refrigerated or frozen through a refrigeration cycle using a refrigerant. The refrigerator may also store medicine, alcoholic liquor, or cosmetics, in addition to the foods.
In recent years, a method for capturing an image of a storage compartment of a refrigerator and performing object recognition regarding the foods stored by using the captured image has been applied in order to manage the foods stored in the refrigerator. For this, the refrigerator may capture an image of the storage compartment by using a camera attached to a front surface of a door.
However, the impact may be applied to the door due to a plurality of times of opening and closing of the door by the user, and this may cause a change of an image capturing direction of the camera attached to the front surface of the door. When the camera captures an image of the storage compartment while the image capturing direction is changed, additional object recognition may be performed, by recognizing a significant change between an original image and the image currently captured, although there is no actual change in foods stored in the storage compartment. In this case, the additional object recognition described above had a problem of an increase in unnecessary cost due to the cost incurring due to use of resources when performing the object recognition.

Refrigerator, server, and object recognition method of refrigerator


A method of operating an acoustic pulse echo ranging system is provided. A series of acoustic energy pulses of successively increasing or decreasing burst frequencies are transmitted through a transducer assembly. For each transmitted energy pulse associated echoes are received and converted into an echo function over time. The obtained echo function is stored in a two-dimensional pattern whose first dimension is the burst frequency and whose second dimension is the time. Based upon the two-dimensional pattern a frequency response function is evaluated as a function of echo function values over burst frequency at a selected point of time.

In a number of applications, it is necessary to monitor liquids containing significant quantities of suspended materials, which materials may tend to separate or accumulate as a separate phase beneath a body of clearer liquid. Suspended material in liquids tends to absorb, reflect and disperse acoustic energy, although the extent of this effect is frequency dependent. For example, in potable water clarifiers a high frequency is required to detect very small particles in the clear phase. Such high frequency, however, does not work effectively to detect e.g. the density and level of sludge in sewerage treatment plants which, in addition, have several operating states (normal and one or more disturbed), each of them requiring different frequencies. Thus, the effectiveness of a pulse echo ranging system in monitoring such liquids will depend upon the presence of suspended material, including gas bubbles, in the supernatant layer, and the concentration and nature of particles in the layer of precipitated material.
From U.S. Pat. No. 6,898,151 a method of operating a pulse echo ranging system is known, wherein a transducer assembly provides transmission and reception of pulses of high frequency acoustic energy at plural substantially different frequencies. An echo profile is generated for signals received at at least a first of the frequencies, and the signal at another of the frequencies is utilized to enhance the recovery of data beyond that obtained from the first signal alone. If echo profiles are recovered for two or more frequencies, the additional profiles may be utilized to enhance the reliability of recovery wanted data. For example, if supernatant liquid contains large quantities of suspended material, acoustic energy at a frequency best suited to detecting a sludge interface may be so attenuated before reaching the interface that detection is not practicable. In this case, the lower frequency signal may provide additional penetration in order to detect the sludge interface and thus improve reliability. Furthermore, if two or more echo profiles are recovered, the profile recovered from a signal which is not heavily reflected by a sludge interface or other interface which it is desired to detect may be utilized as a reference signal against which echoes occurring in the echo profile from a signal at a different frequency may be assessed. Alternatively, the profiles from different frequencies may be summed, or differenced on the basis that the response from an interface to be detected to signals at substantially different frequencies will be substantially different. If the echo responses at different frequencies are available, it may be possible to deduce characteristics such as quantities of suspended solids, layer density, presence of bubbles, and so on from the different responses to the different frequencies.
In the known method, the received signals are combined to provide enhanced information. The kind of combination depends on the measurement environment and conditions which, however, are often not known.

Method of operating an acoustic pulse echo ranging system

Siemens Milltronics Process Instruments, Inc.


A structure of an insulating layer in a semiconductor device includes a substrate, at least one inorganic insulating layer pattern formed on the substrate, and an organic insulating layer formed on an upper part of the substrate and the inorganic insulating layer pattern. Also, a method for planarizing the insulating layer includes the steps of forming a substrate, forming a base insulating layer having a step coverage to form an upper region and a lower region on the substrate, forming a first insulating layer on the base insulating layer, selectively etching the first insulating layer to form at least one first insulating layer at a lower region of the base insulating layer, and forming a second insulating layer at the upper part of the first insulating layer including a first insulating layer pattern.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly to a structure and a planarizing method in an insulating layer of a semiconductor device by which insulating layers made of organic and inorganic substances are aligned on the same plane and the insulating layers are planarized by reducing a step coverage.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Recently, a chip size of a semiconductor circuit is in a tendency of increasing, thus, a switching speed of the circuit has much influence on a transmitting speed of wiring. For instance, assuming that a resistance of the wiring is R and a capacitance of an insulating layer is C, the chip speed becomes low due to a "R.C" time delay effect.
Therefore, a study for improving the "R.C" time delay is proceeding by adapting a low resistance wiring substance such as Cu instead of an aluminum for an insulating layer, and an organic polymer having a dielectric constant such as a benzocyclobutene(BCD) polymer or a fluorinated polyimide instead of a silicon oxide film. However, since the organic polymer has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the inorganic substance, it is easily deformed during a thermal process and mechanical strength thereof is degraded.
Additionally, as the semiconductor circuit is integrated, a topology in a structure of a lower part of the wiring in the memory device is increased, for which a method for planarizing the insulating layer is required in order to obtain margins of an alignment accuracy and a depth of focus in lithography process for forming a contact hole or a conductor line.

Insulating layer structure for semiconductor device


A feeder unit for animals, particularly pigs, provides feed in either wet or dry condition and comprises a trough and a shelf positioned above the trough with a water supply duct beneath the shelf for directing water through valves actuated by the pig into the trough. A hopper positioned above the shelf directs material continuously onto the shelf to be retained on the shelf by the repose angle. The pig can thus either eat directly from the shelf the feed in dry condition or can brush the feed into the trough for mixing with water and eating in wet condition.

This invention relates to a feeder for animals which is particularly but not exclusively suitable for pigs.
Pigs are generally fed dry feed in a trough and are separately supplied with water which they can drink. They have a significant amount of intelligence which enables them to actuate water nipples and feed dispensers and such arrangements have been proposed of various different types. In recent years there have been a number of proposals and products on the market for wet feeders in which the water nipples are arranged in a single trough into which the feed is deposited in many cases using levers actuated by the pigs.
The intention is, of course, in an intensive farming situation to organize and supply the pigs so that they eat as much and as quickly as possible so as to reach the required weight and be shipped to market within the shortest possible time. To this end it is desirable to supply the pigs with feed in whatever condition they desire so they take as much as they can without in any way being inhibited from eating further. Furthermore it is best if the feed is taken in a dry condition with the pig drinking as little water as possible since of course the water tends to fill the pig and reduce the amount that it wishes to eat.


A low leakage current monolithic InGaAs InP discrete device is provided for a focal plane array for near-infrared imaging. The array consists of a plurality of InGaAs p-i-n diodes for photodetectors, with each being integrated on a common substrate with an Inp junction field effect transistor (JFET) as a switching element for each pixel. In order to minimize the drain and gate leakage to achieve high-detection sensitivity, a p-encapsulation of an n-drained of each JFET is employed.

Near-Infrared focal plane arrays (FPA's) are of considerable interest for numerous applications including astronomical imaging, spectroscopy, thermal imaging, night vision, eye-safe surveillance, food processing, etc. Of the many materials used for imaging systems that operate in the near infrared (e.g., HgCdTe, Ge, InSb, PtSi, etc.), InGaAs p-i-n detectors are most attractive for wavelengths between .lambda.=1 and 1.7 .mu.m due to their high performance and reliability [G. H. Olsen, "InGaAs fills the near-IR detector array vacuum," Laser Focus World, Vol. 27, pp. A21-A30, 1991]. The advantages of InGaAs p-i-n detectors include low dark current, high quantum efficiency, subnanosecond response, and room temperature operation. To date, 256.times.256 arrays of these detectors have been demonstrated for imaging purposes [G. Olsen, et al., "A 128.times.128 InGaAs detector array for 1.0-1.7 microns," in Proc. SPIE, Vol. 1341, 1990, pp. 432-437].
Most infrared imaging arrays demonstrated to date are hybrid devices, where the photodetectors are interconnected to silicon CMOS or CCD multiplexer readout arrays by either flip-chip or wire bonding. This not only degrades the performance of the arrays by introducing parasitics, but also significantly increases cost since multiple IC's are required, engendering complex manufacturing steps, and lowering yield due to the additional handling. Therefore, fully monolithic focal plane arrays which have the potential for reducing cost while increasing performance, are desirable.
Note that very low leakage current JFET arrays may also be used to fabricate liquid crystal backplanes for liquid crystal displays with extra-low power demand to hold the image between refresh cycles, which is particularly important in portable, battery operated equipment such as laptop computers.

Very low leakage JFET for monolithically integrated arrays


To provide a vibration-damping assembly sufficiently functions in wide range of vibration with improved durability, and effective spring constant thereof can easily be changed as occasion demands. The vibration-damping assembly comprises a leaf spring (20) and a vibration-damping rubber (23) which are connected to each other in series, and a base end portion of the leaf spring (20) is secured to stand portions (3B, 3C) of a support (3), and another end of the vibration-damping rubber (23), which is not connected to the leaf spring (20), is connected to the prime mover (10).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vibration-damping assembly disposed between a prime mover as a source of vibration such as an internal combustion engine and a support for the prime mover, and more particularly to a vibration-damping assembly which is preferably mounted between a support and a prime mover in a portable working machine.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, in a portable working machine, for instance, a vibration-damping assembly is mounted between an internal combustion engine or the like as a prime mover and a support to prevent the propagation of vibration caused by a prime mover such as an internal combustion engine to a worker, and various vibration-damping assembly have been proposed and put to practical use. One of the vibration-damping assembly is disclosed in Japanese Examined Utility Model Publication No. 9793/1988 and so on.
In conventional vibration-damping assembly, as described in the above-mentioned Publication, a vibration-damping rubber as a vibration-damping member or a coil spring is often independently used. However, a single vibration-damping member can not cover wide range of vibration, that is, the range of vibration that a single vibration-damping member sufficiently functions as it is narrow. For instance, it is difficult for vibration-damping rubber only to cover overall range of rotation of an internal combustion engine. On the other hand, a coil spring functions in wide range of vibration, however, the coil spring is susceptible to malfunction as time passes, that is, its durability is a problem.
Further, it is desirable to change the spring constant in accordance with the replacement of an internal combustion engine or members accompanying the engine to provide the best vibration-damping efficiency, however, in conventional vibration-damping assembly, the spring constant can not be changed, therefore, it is necessary to replace overall vibration-damping assembly, resulting in troublesome work and disadvantage in cost.


A braking mechanism for a stroller having a parking brake which prevents rotation of a wheel and a drag brake which retards rotation of the wheel, the braking mechanism being controlled by a single brake lever. The lever has a neutral position in which neither the parking brake nor the drag brake is engaged and the wheel rotated freely, a parking position in which the parking brake is engaged, and a drag braking position in which a use can apply and modulate the drag brake to selectively retard wheel rotation. The combination braking mechanism is preferred for use on a conventional jogging stroller.

The present application relates generally to the field of wheeled strollers for children. More particularly, the present invention relates to a braking mechanism for a jogging stroller that includes both a parking brake and a friction drag brake integrated into a wheel hub carrier and selectively operated by a single user control lever.
Jog strollers for transporting babies and young children are well known in the art. Such strollers typically include three wheels of larger diameter, often 20 to 40 cm in diameter, that are more suitable for higher travel speeds over sometimes less than smooth surfaces. Many jog strollers conveniently include a drag braking mechanism that can be operated by a user via a convenient hand lever positioned on the stroller handlebar. Often such brakes are simple cable actuated caliper brakes sourced from the bicycle field acting on the rim of one or more of the stroller wheels and include a lever disposed on the stroller handle. Strollers are also provided with a parking brake means for preventing one of more of the wheels from rotating when the parking brake is engaged. Parking brake actuation is typically engaged (prevents wheel rotation) or disengaged (allows wheel rotation) and often incorporated into wheel mounting hubs.
Design simplification continues to drive innovation in strollers. A braking mechanism for a jog stroller capable of both modulated braking and a parking brake function would provide great benefit. Additional advantages would be realized by a braking mechanism incorporating a single user control interface allowing both modulated drag braking and engagement/disengagement of the parking brake.

Combination drag and parking brake for a stroller


Hand held vacuum cleaning apparatus (100) includes an elongate housing (122) which is cylindrical in shape. The housing (122) defines an inlet opening (108), an interior (124) and an exhaust opening (118). The housing (122) further defines, within the interior (124), a receptacle receiving chamber (112) in which, in use, a removable dust retaining receptacle (115) is located. The receptacle receiving chamber (112) is substantially circular in cross section and comprises substantially the whole of the diameter of the interior (124) in cross section. The apparatus (100) includes a flow inducer (117) located in the interior (124). In use, the flow inducer (117) induces air flow from the inlet opening (108), through the receptacle (115) in the chamber (112), through the flow inducer (117) to the exhaust opening (118).

The vacuum cleaner market over the last few years has rapidly shifted to cordless vacuums. In particular, stick type vacuum cleaners, also sometimes known as "pole vacuum cleaners" have become popular due to their convenience of use. These vacuum cleaners are typically lighter in weight than traditional upright cleaners and are cordless, being powered by a rechargeable battery. The lighter weight and lack of power lead improves ease and flexibility of use over corded traditional upright cleaners. A householder will often buy one of these vacuum cleaners in addition to a traditional heavier corded vacuum cleaner for localised use, for example in upstairs bedrooms, to avoid the task of carrying the heavier corded vacuum cleaner upstairs.
Conventionally, a stick type vacuum cleaner includes a stick extension tube (also known as a pole or wand) that transfers suction and possibly power to a powered or passive floor cleaning tool, known as a "floor-tool". Stick type vacuum cleaners are predominantly bag-less, i.e. they use a cyclone or similar filter system to separate dust from air before collecting the dust and expelling the air. However, size and weight constraints on the filter system in particular mean that bag-less stick type cleaners are relative less efficient than the heavier and larger conventional bag-less vacuum cleaners.


A reinforced soil arch having a floating footer is provided. The reinforced soil arch has an archway form, a plurality of layers of reinforcement material and compacted fill associated with the archway form, and a floating footer supporting the archway form. The archway form floats on a compressible squeeze block in the floating footer. Methods of constructing a reinforced soil arch are provided.

Geosynthetic reinforced soil arch structures provide an environmentally preferable and/or less expensive alternative to more traditional construction materials used for bridges, culverts, overpasses and the like, e.g. steel structures, reinforced concrete structures, plastic structures and the like. Geosynthetic reinforced soil arches for use in the design of structures such as bridges, overpasses, snowsheds, landslide or rock fall protection structures, or the like are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,874,974 and 8,215,869 to VanBuskirk, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Some such arches have a supporting form (typically but not necessarily an arch form) made from a rigid material such as metal, concrete, reinforced concrete, plastic or reinforced plastic. A plurality of alternating layers of compacted soil and reinforcement made from geosynthetics, plastic, metal, wood and/or the like are associated with the supporting form. Some such arches have an archway form, a combination of alternating and interacting layers of compacted mineral soil and reinforcement material associated with the archway form, and a plurality of shear resisting devices extending from the exterior surface of the archway into the reinforced soil mass. Mineral soil can include clay, silt, sand, gravel, cobbles, boulders, broken rock, or mixtures of any of the foregoing.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,010,617 to Fisher, which is incorporated by reference herein, discloses a composite arch structure comprising an arched liner with compacted fill material or dense soil thereagainst to form a soil arch thereabout. The liner has a foundation comprising yielding footer means.
There remains a need for improved footers for geosynthetic reinforced soil arch structures.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

Reinforced arch with floating footer and method of constructing same