A feature detection apparatus includes a reflective imaging system, a transmissive imaging system, and memory for generating an image of a workpiece. The reflective imaging system generates a first bit image of a surface of the workpiece. The transmissive imaging system generates a second, different bit image of the density of the workpiece. The two images are then combined in memory into a more complete image that contains data describing the surface and interior of the workpiece. The apparatus also includes a filter for enhancing the combined bit image so that physical features of the workpiece are accurately detected. The filter is constructed to perform the following steps. For detecting a feature of interest, the filter determines a mean, standard deviation, and normal distribution of the image's pixel intensities. The filter then uses the normal distribution to map the pixel intensities above the mean to one set of enhanced pixel intensities and to map pixel intensities below the mean to another set of enhanced pixel intensities. Pixels of the enhanced image are sampled to determine if a pixel meets a threshold intensity for the feature being sought. For a pixel that meets the threshold intensity, a feature detection operation is applied to the pixel and its neighboring pixels to determine if the feature is present in the image. If so, the full extent of the detected feature is then determined.

Traditionally, defects in a workpiece such as wood were found by manually inspecting the workpiece. Based on that inspection and a knowledge of the type of products desired, cuts were made to the workpiece to produce products. For example, in the case of wood products, a person would inspect a piece of wood for knots and based on that inspection and a knowledge of the type of boards desired, make certain cuts to the wood.
To improve the speed and accuracy of defect detection, various machines have been developed that use cameras and computers to automatically find defects in the workpiece. The most effective of these systems create a gray scale bit mapped image of the workpiece and then test the pixels of the image against a threshold pixel intensity. Pixels that meet the threshold intensity are considered defects. These systems, however, have proven to lack consistency and accuracy when presented with the wide variations in workpiece color. For example, these systems cannot accurately distinguish heavy grain in wood from a knot. While both are darker than clear wood, only the knot is considered a defect.
Deciding what cuts to make to a workpiece has also been automated to some degree. Machines now keep track of the products cut and the production goal. This information is provided to the cutter (human or machine) to influence the cuts made to the next workpiece. For example, the production goal might be certain numbers of wood pieces of certain sizes and grades. As wood is cut into products, the numbers of wood pieces cut of each size are updated and compared to the production goal. Cuts are then made to move toward the production goal as rapidly as possible without exceeding it.
The drawback of present approaches to optimizing workpiece cutting is the time required for determining the optimum cuts. A workpiece such as wood may be cut into any number of different-sized products of different grades. A decision still must be made as to what specific cuts to make to the workpiece to provide the desired products. If the decision is by a human operator, then production is delayed. If the decision is by a human operator or a machine based solely on the information noted above, then the decision does not take into account the value of products cut from each individual workpiece.
An objective of the invention, therefore, is to improve the detection of features such as defects in a workpiece. Another objective of the invention is to optimize the cutting of a workpiece into products that provide the greatest value at the time the workpiece is cut.

Method and apparatus for feature detection in a workpiece


Disclosed is a method of washing substrates, comprising the steps of (a) introducing a washing solution into a processing vessel having a wafer boat movably mounted therein to fill the vessel with the washing solution, (b) allowing a plurality of wafers to be held collectively by chuck such that the wafers held by the chuck are arranged at substantially an equal pitch, (c) dipping the wafers together with the chuck in the washing solution within the processing vessel, (d) transferring the wafers from the chuck onto the wafer boat in an upper region of the processing vessel, (e) moving the wafers together with the wafer boat within the washing solution to allow the substrates to be positioned in a lower region of the processing vessel, (f) discharging the washing solution from the upper region of the processing vessel, (g) supplying a fresh washing solution into the lower region of the processing vessel so as to cause the washing solution within the processing vessel to overflow the processing vessel, (h) taking the washed wafers out of the processing vessel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for washing with a washing solution a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer or a glass substrate for a liquid crystal display (LCD) device and to a method and apparatus for washing-drying such a substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the initial process of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a semiconductor wafer used as a substrate is dipped in a chemical solution so as to remove foreign substances such as particles, organic contaminants, and metal impurities from the surface of the substrate, followed by water wash with a rinsing solution and, then, drying. A wet type washing-drying system is used for performing a series of these treatments.
The wet type washing-drying system comprises a wet station prepared by arranging in series a plurality of processing vessels. In the wet station, the substrate such as a semiconductor wafer is washed with various chemical solutions such as an ammonia-hydrogen peroxide solution, a hydrofluoric acid solution, a dilute sulfuric acid solution and a dilute hydrochloric acid solution, followed by washing with water and, then, by drying. Since a plurality of processing vessels are arranged in series, a plurality of wafers are successively dipped in different chemical solutions housed in the processing vessels so as to perform the washing-drying treatments efficiently.
Japanese Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. 6-82647 discloses a closed drying apparatus in which an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) vapor is used for drying wafers after the washing treatments. This prior art teaches that a pure water film is removed from the wafer surface when IPA is evaporated, making it possible to dry the wafer clean without generating a water mark on the wafer surface. In the drying apparatus of this type, however, the wafer is moved within the air atmosphere when transferred between the washing section and the drying section. It follows that the wet wafer is kept in contact with the air for a long time, with the result that foreign substances such as particles are likely to be attached to the wafer surface.
Further, Japanese Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. 6-103686 discloses another type of drying apparatus. In this apparatus, an IPA vapor is supplied to a process chamber while discharging a pure water from the process chamber so as to fill the process chamber with the IPA vapor.
Still further, European Patent No. 03 85 536 B1 discloses a wafer drying apparatus utilizing Marangoni effect. In this apparatus, wafers are dried while being pulled out of a pure water.
It should be noted that IPA has such a high boiling temperature as 82.degree. C., with the result that evaporation of the washing solution (pure water) is promoted. It follows that dews of pure water or IPA are formed on the inner surface of the chamber. The presence of the dews causes the purging time with a nitrogen gas, which is performed for bringing the atmosphere within the chamber back to the initial state, to be prolonged, leading to a low through-put. Further, the dews are likely to be evaporated again when the inner pressure of the chamber is lowered, with the result that the evaporated water or IPA is attached to the wafer W to form dews. It follows that water marks are likely to be formed on the wafer W. What should also be noted that, if the dew of water formed on the inner surface of the ceiling of the chamber drops onto the wafer W, the wafer W incurs a serious contamination. Still further, the dew of IPA is discharged without being dried, leading to waste of IPA.

Substrate washing method, substrate washing-drying method, substrate washing apparatus and substrate washing-drying apparatus


Disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention are a polar code encoding method and device, the method comprising: utilizing a common information bit set to represent each of m polar code blocks, the polar codes in each polar code block having the same code length and different code rates, and m being greater than or equal to 2; according to the common information bit set corresponding to the polar code block, acquiring an information bit set corresponding to each polar code in the polar code block; and according to the information bit set corresponding to each polar code in the polar code block, conducting polar code encoding on information to be encoded, thus reducing polar code representation overhead, and solving the problem in the prior art of excessively high polar code representation overhead.

In a communication system, channel encoding is generally used to improve reliability of data transmission and ensure communication quality. A Polar code is a good code which can achieve Shannon capacity by theoretical proof and has a low encoding and decoding complexity. If the code length is short, the performance of conventional successive cancellation (SC) decoding is worse than performances of a low density parity check (LDPC) code and a Turbo Code. In a case of decoding with list codes, the performance of the Polar code with medium code length is better than performances of the LDPC code or the Turbo Code.
The Polar code is a linear block code, and the generator matrix thereof is GN. The process of Polar code encoding is x1N=u1NGN, where x1N is an output bit after encoding, u1N is an input bit before encoding, GN=BNF⊗n. The code length N=2n, and n≥0. BN is a transposed matrix such as a bit reversal matrix. F⊗n is a Kronecker power of F, which is defined as F⊗n=F⊗F⊗n−1, where
  F  =            [                                    1                                0                                                1                                1                              ]        .
The Polar code may be represented as (N,K,A,uAc) with a cosec code, and the encoding process is x1N=uAGN(A)⊗uAcGN(Ac). A is an information bit index set. GN(A) is a submatrix obtained from a row, which corresponds to the index in the set A, in GN. GN(Ac) is a submatrix obtained from a row, which corresponds to the index in the set Ac, in GN. uAc is frozen bits the number of which is (N−K), with N being the code length and K being the length of information bits. For simplicity, the frozen bit may be set to 0, and in this case, the above encoding process is briefly described as x1N=uAGN(A).
In the conventional technology, a Polar code with a code length being N and a code rate being R1 is represented as (N,K1,A1), a second Polar code with a code length being N and a code rate being R2 is represented as (N,K2,A2), and a Polar code with a code length being N and a code rate being R3 is represented as (N,K3,A3). Polar codes with a same code length and different code rates are represented differently. For example, a first Polar code with the code length being 2048 and the number of information bits being 683 is represented as (2048, 683, A1), where A1 is a subset including 683 elements of a set {0, 1, 2, . . . , 2047}. A second Polar code with the code length being 2048 and the number of information bits being 1024 is represented as (2048, 1024, A2), where A2 is a subset including 1024 elements of the set {0, 1, 2, . . . , 2047}. A1 and A2 include a large number of same elements. However, in the conventional technology, the first Polar code and the second Polar code need to be represented by A1 and A2 respectively, which causes a high overhead for representing the Polar code conventionally.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


Apparatus for an illuminable member comprising a plurality of bulbs 14 mounted on a circuit board 12 in electrical communication with a power source having electrical leads 24 between the power source and recharging connector. The apparatus 10 can be positioned within a housing 26 having one or more transparencies forming an integral part therewith whereby light would be viewable from the exterior of the housing when the illuminable member 14 is energized. Preferably, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 14 are mounted to the circuit board 12 in electrical communication with each other and the power source, which in the preferred embodiment is one or more batteries 20 forming an integral part of the illuminable member with corded and ported means provided for recharging the power source.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to signage and, more specifically, to means for illuminating signage. The present invention provides an illuminable member comprising a plurality of bulbs mounted on a circuit board in electrical communication with a power source having electrical leads between the power source and recharging connector. The present invention can be positioned within a housing having one or more transparencies forming an integral part therewith whereby light would be viewable from the exterior of said housing when said illuminable member is energized. Preferably, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are mounted to the circuit board in electrical communication with each other and the power source, which in the preferred embodiment is one or more batteries, forming an integral part of said illuminable member with corded and ported means provided for recharging said power source.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are other illumination device designed for signage. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 2,559,163 issued to Macdonald on Jul. 3, 1951.
Another patent was issued to Hay et al on Oct. 20, 1964 as U.S. Pat. No. 3,153,294. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 3,242,329 was issued to Abrams on Mar. 22, 1966 and still yet another was issued on Sep. 20, 1966 to Brimsek as U.S. Pat. No. 3,274,548.
Another patent was issued to Lanzon, et al on Feb. 28, 1967 as U.S. Pat. No. 3,305,961. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 3,318,031 was issued to Whaley, et al. on May 9, 1967. Another was issued to George on Oct. 11, 1977 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,052,806 and still yet another was issued on May 13, 1986 to Ossner as U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,754.
Another patent was issued to Elmer on May 26, 1987 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,428. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,163 was issued to Berg on Nov. 29, 1988. Another was issued to Elmer on Jun. 20, 1989 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,839,975 and still yet another was issued on Jul. 6, 1999 to Elmer as U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,397.

Vehicle advertising sign illumination apparatus


A three-way stopcock that can be opened/closed in the same manner as conventional operation methods and can reduce stagnated portions of fluid in a fluid flow passage. Out of branch openings, a first branch opening and a second branch opening are arranged on a straight line, and a third branch opening is directed perpendicularly to the line connecting the first and second branch openings. Provided at a flow passage switch portion are a first flow-passage opening and a second flow-passage opening that are arranged on a straight line and a third flow-passage opening that is directed perpendicularly to the line connecting the first and second bran openings.

When a medical treatment is conducted by liquid transfusion or blood transfusion in medical facilities, a three-way stopcock is used for carrying out mixture injection of different types of medical fluid and for taking a fluid flowing through a fluid flow passage. FIG. 9 shows an overall perspective view of a conventional three-way stopcock, in which the conventional three-way stopcock is configured with: a body 1 provided with branch pipes that are connected to three branch openings and in which a fluid can flow; and a flow passage switching portion 5. The conventional three-way stopcock is configured in a manner that a rotational operation of a handle 7 configured integrally with the flow passage switching portion 5 allows the selection of a combination of a branch pipe into which a medical fluid flows and a branch pipe communicating with the branch pipe so that the medical fluid flows out of there.
Out of the three branch pipes in the conventional three-way stopcock, a first branch pipe 31 and a second branch pipe 32 are arranged so as to assume a straight-line flow passage form when they communicate with each other. This flow passage is designated as a main line. In addition, a branch pipe that is arranged perpendicularly to the main line is a third branch pipe 33, through which mixture injection of medical fluids is carried out and a fluid is taken.
FIG. 10 is a transverse sectional view of the conventional three-way stopcock. As shown in FIG. 10, the body 1 is provided with the three branch openings 21, 22 and 23 so as to allow the selectable combination of the first branch pipe 31, the second branch pipe 32 and the third branch pipe 33.
FIG. 11 schematically shows the direction of a flow passage in the flow passage switching portion of the conventional three-way stopcock. As shown in FIG. 11, the flow passage switching portion 5 is provided with three flow passage openings 61, 62 and 63. In addition, a fluid flow passage 8 provided in the flow passage switching portion 5 is configured with a flow passage through which the first flow passage opening 61 and the second flow passage opening 62 communicate with each other in a straight line and a flow passage that is arranged so as to branch perpendicularly from the center of this flow passage so as to communicate with the third flow passage opening 63. In other words, the fluid flow passage 8 is configured in the shape of a T.
The third branch pipe 33, however, might be opened to the outside during the mixture injection, resulting in the possibility that bacteria get into there. That is to say, as the third branch pipe 33 has a hollow and long-size pipe structure and it is difficult to disinfect the long-size bore of the pipe, there is the risk that the bore in the third branch pipe 33 becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
Furthermore, since the flow passage switching portion 5 is configured, as shown in FIG. 10, in the shape of a T with a portion branching partway, there is the risk that the flow of the main line does not affect the portion X in the flow passage that communicates with the third flow passage opening 63, resulting in the generation of a stagnated portion. Due to the presence of the stagnated portion, a medical fluid to be given might remain there, which causes a problem that it becomes difficult to administer the medical fluid precisely.
Meanwhile, in the recent medical scenes, as an insertion member for mixture injection equipment such as an injection needle for use in mixture injection, a specially designed blunt needle is used instead of a sharp metal needle.
Correspondingly, various three-way stopcocks have been developed, as disclosed in JP 11(1999)-342209 A, in which a septum of an elastic member having a slit through which a blunt needle can be punctured is provided at a position corresponding to the third branch pipe for the purpose of eliminating the stagnated portion in the third branch pipe 33. The three-way stopcock disclosed in JP 11(1999)-342209 A is a medical stopcock having a feature in which an arcuate groove-like switching passage is formed along the circumferential surface at the switching portion of the flow passage. In this three-way stopcock, the septum of an elastic member having the slit is disposed at the position corresponding to the third branch pipe 33, so that the branch pipe is isolated from the outside so as to secure a closed system and at the same time the length of the flow passage can be shortened relative to the conventional one. In addition, by forming the arcuate groove-like switching passage along the circumferential surface at the switching portion of the flow passage, a flow of the fluid is generated also at the portion conventionally acting as the stagnated portion, so as to eliminate the stagnated portion.
These three-way stopcocks, however, have a drawback in that a closing of all of the flow passages cannot be made by adopting a method in which an angular position of the fluid flow passage is shifted slightly, which is a normal method in the conventional three-way stopcocks. That is to say, there is a problem in that it is not possible to close all of the flow passages by rotating the flow passage switching portion 5 from the state of FIG. 10 to a state corresponding to an intermediate angular position within an angle made by the position of the third branch pipe 33 and the position of the first branch pipe 31 or the second branch pipe 32 (45° or 315°) as in the conventional methods.
For example, in the three-way stopcock disclosed in JP 11(1999)-342209 A, when all of the flow passages are closed, the fluid switching portion 5 should be rotated by about 135° to 225°. This results from the fact that, while the flow passage switching portion 5 in the conventional three-way stopcocks has three openings, this flow passage switching portion 5 has an arcuate groove form along the circumferential surface, which means the opening portion is open to a large degree. In the practical medical scenes, in particular, complicated operations should be done securely in a short time, and therefore the three-way stopcock having such a configuration has the possibility of operating errors occurring during the use thereof.

Three-way stopcock, and liquid transfusion circuit or blood transfusion circuit either using the three-way stopcock


A process for producing a catalyst for cyanhydrin hydration, which comprises a manganese oxide as a main component and is excellent in both physical strength and reaction activity, is provided, as well as a catalyst for cyanhydrin hydration obtained by the production process. Specifically, a process for producing a catalyst which is useful for cyanhydrin hydration and contains a manganese oxide as a main component, potassium, and one or more elements selected from the group consisting of bismuth, vanadium and tin, in which the above compounds are mixed together in an aqueous system; the resulting slurry precipitate is subjected to solid-liquid separation; and the resulting hydrous cake is dried in at least two separate stages comprising a predrying and a main drying, is provided, as well as a catalyst for cyanhydrin hydration obtained by the production process.

As catalysts that are useful for cyanhydrin hydration and exhibit high activity and high selectivity, various catalysts composed mainly of manganese oxides have been disclosed together with production processes for such catalysts (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 8). However, these catalysts are still problematic in that when they are used industrially, their structures are insufficient in physical strength, and hence collapse or pulverization of the catalysts are caused, inevitably resulting in increase of pressure loss and concomitant degradation of productivity so as to disturb continuation of operation.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-57534
Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-57535
Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-68447
Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-93761
Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-170720
Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-269666
Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-19637
Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9

Process for producing catalyst for cyanhydrin hydration and product of the process


Solvent-free lubricant compositions having improved lubricity properties comprising a basestock having a kinematic viscosity of about 1.5 to 3.0 cSt at 100.degree. C., about 3 to 15 wt % of bright stock having a kinematic viscosity about 20 to 40 cSt at 100.degree. C., about 3 to 15 wt % of a polyisobutylene having a number average molecular weight of about 400 to 1050 and about 3 to 15 wt % of a polyisobutylene having a number average molecular weight of about 1150 to 1650. Minor amounts of the lubricant composition may be incorporated into a distillate fuel to provide a lubricant oil-fuel composition for two-cycle engines.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a lubricant composition for use in two-cycle internal combustion engines. More particularly, the lubricant composition is solvent-free while at the same time providing improved lubricating properties.
2. Description of the Related Art
Most two-cycle engines are lubricated by a "once-through" system, where new oil is introduced to the engine internal surfaces for only a brief period of time. As the engine operates, the oil becomes evacuated out the exhaust. However, additional new oil is introduced to the engine at the rate which the used oil is evacuated. In this way, a continual supply of new oil is fed into the two-cycle engine, allowing the fresh oil to lubricate the engine momentarily before being expelled in the exhaust. Since the oil expelled in the exhaust never returns to the engine, this lubrication circuit is called a "once-through" system. Such a system is in marked contrast to the typical lubricant circuit of a four-cycle engine, where the oil remains in the engine for an extended time, and is circulated between the engine internal surfaces and the reservoir many times.
In order to lubricate all internal parts of a two-cycle engine, it is traditional to mix the lubricating oil with the fuel. Such fuel and oil mixing is done at a preferred ratio of between 10 to 250 parts of fuel to one part of oil. The fuel and oil are then mixed with air in a desired ratio of less than about 15 parts of air to one part fuel/oil. The resulting fuel/oil/air mixture is combustible and is introduced to the engine for burning. Since this combustible mixture is exposed to all rolling/sliding interfaces within the engine, the lubricating oil is effectively supplied to all points within the engine where wear is likely to take place. A requirement for such two-cycle engine oils, therefore, is that the oil must mix freely with the fuel, since only if this happens effectively will the lubricating oil be transported to all rubbing surfaces of the engine.
To ensure that the lubricating oil can mix freely with fuel, two-cycle engine oils must have excellent miscibility with gasoline, a property which distinguishes them from most other lubricating oils. To achieve excellent miscibility with gasoline, two-cycle engine oils are traditionally comprised of .about.65-75% base oil, .about.5-30% solvent, with the remainder comprising an additive package. The incorporation of the solvent in the two-cycle oil provides the necessary fluidity and miscibility for the oil to mix freely with the fuel. The addition of the solvent, however, imparts other less desirable properties to the oil. An example is that the flash point of the lubricating oil is reduced well below 100.degree. C. Therefore, these two-cycle oils present a safety risk, and require special handling to prevent fire.
Once the miscibility of the two-cycle engine oil is at a preferred level, the engine operation will correctly distribute the oil to all critical moving parts within the engine. Having reached the correct internal parts of the engine, however, the oil must then be formulated with special components which provide the oil with lubricity and wear reducing capabilities. Traditionally, there are two ways in which such lubricity/antiwear properties may be blended into the lubricant. The first way is to blend the two-cycle oil with a smaller quantity of a high viscosity additive component such as a high viscosity natural oil fraction or a synthetic polymer. These components effectively increase the viscosity of the oil, thereby imparting improved lubricity/antiwear properties. The second way is to blend the two-cycle oils with a smaller quantity of an antiwear additive. The antiwear additives often contain sulphur or phosphorus, and chemically modify the internal surfaces of the engine to make them more resistant to wear. An example of a two-cycle oil formulation is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,063.
It would be desirable to have a two-cycle oil which is solvent-free while at the same time improving lubricity thereby improving engine performance.

Lubricating composition for two-cycle internal combustion engines


A rigid hull boat made up of detachable bow and stern sections. These are joined at abutting transverse bulkheads: male locking lugs project from the bulkhead of the bow section, and these are received in corresponding recesses in the bulkhead of the stern section. The upper edges of the bulkheads are held together by a channel member through which bolts are passed. The interlocking elements eliminate side-to-side movement between the two bulkheads, and also prevent them from spreading apart at the bottom. There are also bevels around the edges of the two sections which guide the locking members into engagement. The bow section nests within the stern section for storage. If desired, the two sections can be used as independent craft, and in some embodiments, the bow section may be inverted and mounted atop the stern section to provide an enclosed cartop carrier.

Many boats, dinghies, or other small craft are only used on an occasional basis. When it is not being used, the size of the craft presents a storage problem, and this also often makes it difficult to transport. For example, most large pleasure boats carry a dinghy for use as a tender, and this occupies a large amount of valuable deck space or other room while it is stowed onboard. Even if it is stored in a land-bound garage or shed, the owner usually wishes that it took up less space. A similar problem occurs when the boat is transported over the road. Even a relatively small craft may present serious handling problems when it becomes necessary to lift this onto the vehicle, and it is almost always necessary to provide some special arrangement--a roof rack or trailer, for example--to carry the boat, and this uses up space which could otherwise be used to carry baggage or equipment.
Attempts to overcome these problems have taken various forms, usually with limited success. For example, some have turned to inflatable boats, but these often lack real durability, and require so much time and effort to inflate and assemble that many are simply left permanently inflated; furthermore, the hull forms of most inflatables are totally unsuited for rowing or sailing, which limits their utility for many applications. Similarly, collapsible boats also lack durability and are difficult to set up, and furthermore are frequently deficient in seaworthiness. In short, these approaches require compromises in the hull structure which are so great that the end result varies widely from the ideal form and character for a small boat.
Another approach which has been proposed involves providing a boat with a rigid (i.e., non-collapsible) hull of generally conventional form, and making this in two sections so that it can be broken down for storage or transport. An article entitled "J. P. Downs Memorial Bifurcating Dinghy" in the January 1977 issue of Rudder Magazine shows plans for a boat which illustrates this. The boat is constructed of plywood, and there are bow and stern sections. The bow section is provided with a flat rear bulkhead and the stern section is provided with a flat forward bulkhead, and these are butted up against one another and secured together to assemble the boat. The two sections can be taken apart, and the bow section nests within the stern section for stowage. The disassembled halves will also float, and can be used independently as small craft.
While this approach is superior to inflatable or collapsible craft in many respects, particularly from the standpoint of providing a seaworthy and durable hull which is of a satisfactory form for rowing or sailing, these previous attempts have exhibited serious deficiencies. Perhaps the most significant of these has been the weakness of the connection between the two hull halves. For example, in the "J. P. Downs" design noted above, the connection is made by hinges and pins across the top of the joined bulkheads, and latches on the bottom of the hull. Alternatively, there is a simple bolt-joint system. Simply put, the interconnection which is provided by either of these arrangements is inadequate to prevent the hull sections from working back and forth relative to one another when the boat is in a seaway. At the least, this is a constant annoyance when rowing or sailing the boat, and at worst it presents a serious wear problem and the potential for eventual failure with catastrophic consequences. These deficiencies have been serious enough to prevent the concept of a two-piece rigid hull from reaching its full potential.
Accordingly, there is a need for a rigid hulled boat having two-piece construction such that the boat can be broken down for storage or handling, yet which is provided with a structure for joining the two halves so that these cannot work back and forth relative to one another. Furthermore, there is a need for a boat having such a structure which is sufficiently durable to provide the boat with an extended working life, and to obviate safety hazards which would precipitate from wear of the joint between the two halves. Still further, there is a need for a boat having such a joint which can be constructed of fiberglass or other resinous materials which are commonly employed in modern boat construction.


Enhancing the cellular uptake of a drug or dietary supplement by administering it concurrently with one or more members of the d-tetrandrine family.

The present invention relates to the administration of drugs and dietary supplements, including nutraceuticals. The effectiveness of drugs and dietary supplements is in part a function of their uptake by the cells they are intended to affect. Various devices and compounds have been proposed for enhancing cellular uptake, such as:
Gold nanoparticles: Transferrin-mediated gold nanoparticle cellular uptake P H Yang, X Sun, J F Chiu, H Sun, Q Y He—Bioconjugate chemistry; 2005—ACS Publications
Cell fixation: Cell-penetrating peptides a reevaluation of the mechanism of cellular uptake J P Richard, K Melikov, E Vives, C Ramos . . . —Journal of Biological . . . , 2003—ASBMB
Gold phosphene: Role of lipophilicity in determining cellular uptake and antitumor activity of gold phosphine complexes M J McKeage, S J Berners-Price, P Galettis . . . —Cancer chemotherapy . . . 2000—Springer
Polymeric nanoparticles: Effects of particle size and surface coating on cellular uptake of . . . www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15585275 by K Y Win—2005—
Cell penetrating peptides: Mechanisms of Cellular Uptake of Cell-Penetrating Peptides www.hindawi.com/journals/jbp/2011/414729/Cached by F Madani—2011

Method and products for enhancing cellular uptake of drug and dietary supplements


A multi use circuit module has a front half module. The front half module is a functional circuit module having electrical contacts on a front portion there of for electrically coupling the multi use circuit module to a host device. A rear half module is removably coupled to the front half module. The rear half module increases functionality of the multi use circuit module by allowing functional and non functional components to be coupled to the front half module.

Removable circuit modules or cards are increasing in use to provide storage and other electronic functions for devices such as digital cameras, personal computing devices and personal digital assistants (PDAs). New uses for memory cards include multi-media cards and secure digital cards.
Presently, there are a lot of different form factors for circuit modules. Removable circuit modules which are used to provide storage for different electronic devices come in different sizes and shapes. For example, multimedia cards (MMCs) generally weigh less than two grams and come in a standardized size of 24 mm×32 mm×1.4 mm. MMCs are removable solid-state memory solutions for mobile applications, such as MP3 music players, portable video games, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile telephones and digital cameras.
MMCs use ROM technology for read-only applications and Flash technology for read/write applications. MMCs are fast for excellent system performance; energy efficient for prolonged battery life in portable products; and cost-efficient for use in systems sold at consumer price points. MMCs generally have a seven pad (pin) serial interface. This easy-to-install simple serial interface offers easy integration into various devices regardless of the microprocessor used.
A SIMM (single in-line memory module) card is generally smaller and is approximately half the size of a MMC. A SIMM card contains one or more random access memory (RAM) chips on a small circuit board with a plurality of pins that connect to an electronic device like that described above.
Because of the differences in size, SIMM cards cannot not be used in applications which require MMCs. SIMM cards are generally approximately half the size of an MMC, thus, one cannot remove a SIMM card from a device and plug it into another device that uses an MMC. Thus, circuit modules are restricted to certain applications due to sizing differences. Thus, it is desirable to increase the functionality of current circuit modules by providing a means to standardize the size of all current circuit modules.
Removable circuit modules may also be designed to function as modular input/output (I/O) cards. These cards may be used allow different I/O devices to be plugged into and interact with an electronic device like a mobile phone, PDA, digital camera and the like. For example, I/O cards have been designed to allow PDAs to function as a digital camera, an MP3 player, a modem, and the like. However, each I/O card is designed to perform a specific function. Each I/O card requires creating a new card form factor which requires incurring a large capital expense.
The problem with present circuit modules is that there is not a way to add on additional components (functional as well as non functional) to the circuit modules. Thus, it's difficult to expand the flexibility of usage for present circuit modules.
Therefore, a need existed to provide a circuit module and method to overcome the above problems.

Circuit module having interconnects for connecting functioning and non-functioning add ons and method therefor


A sensing device for generating orientation data when positioned or moved relative to a surface, the orientation data being indicative of an orientation of the sensing device relative to the surface, the surface having coded data disposed upon it, the coded data being indicative, when sensed by the sensing device, of the orientation, the sensing device including: a housing; orientation sensing means configured to generate the orientation data using at least some of the coded data; and communications means configured to communicate the orientation data to a computer system.

A user of a computer system typically interacts with the system using a monitor for displaying information and a keyboard and/or mouse for inputting information. In some cases, it is desirable to allow input via a joystick, Where capturing input indicative of position or movement in one or more rotational dimensions is desirable, a joystick can be used. Unfortunately, whilst joysticks are useful for the purposes for which they are designed, they can be difficult to customize, bulky and non-portable.
It would be desirable to provide an apparatus by which one or more dimensions of rotational orientation can be captured in a more convenient, or at least alternative, manner compared to prior art joysticks.

System for remotely controlling an aspect of a function of apparatus


The invention concerns A container (10) for storing, metering and dispensing bulk material, the container comprising: —a tank (1) to store the bulk material, said tank comprising a close top end and an opened bottom end, and said tank presenting an essentially cylindrical shape, —a dispensing closure (2) to dispense the bulk material from the opened bottom end of the tank, said dispensing closure comprising: an inner rotatable member (22) with at least one aperture (221), said inner rotatable member being rotatable around a longitudinal central axis (XX), and said inner rotatable member comprising central connecting means (223) designed to removably engage with a rotating shaft extending along the central axis (XX), an outer fixed member (21) with a central aperture (213) and at least one outlet aperture (211) therein, wherein the inner rotatable member (22) is configured for being selectively rotatable with respect to the outer fixed member (21) such that at least in one rotational position of the inner member, the at least one aperture (221) of the inner member overlaps with the at least one outlet aperture (211) of the outer fixed member for enabling the dispensing of the bulk material from the container, wherein the tank comprises at least one longitudinal straight rib (15) projecting inside the internal volume of the tank.

Beverage preparation machines designed for preparing beverages are well-known and commonplace in both domestic and commercial environments. These machines are generally configured for preparing cold or hot beverages on-demand, such as coffee or tea beverages in case the machine comprises a heating unit, or chilled drinks such as soft drinks or water. In the latter case, the machine may be equipped with a cooling unit.
A known principle in this field is the preparation of a beverage by means of a container containing a beverage ingredient, usually a powder, said container being connectable to the beverage preparation machine. Portioned amounts of beverage ingredient can be dispensed from the container during the beverage preparation process into a cup or into a mixing chamber of the machine. In the cup or the mixing chamber, a beverage is prepared by mixing the dosed amount of ingredients with a diluent such as water.
EP-A1-3 028 609 describes a container for storing and dispensing a bulk material, the container comprising:                a tank, and        a dispensing closure for dispensing the product from the tank comprising an inner rotatable disc member with at least one aperture, and an outer fixed disc member with a central aperture and at least one outlet aperture therein,
wherein the inner disc member is configured for being selectively rotatable with respect to the outer disc member such that at least in one rotational position of the inner disc member, the at least one aperture of the inner disc member overlaps with the at least one outlet aperture of the outer disc member for enabling the dispensing of the product from the container.
This container can be positioned in the docking unit of a dosing machine configured for dispensing a dose of bulk material stored in the container. The machine comprises a rotary shaft configured to engage and selectively rotate the inner rotatable disc member of the dispensing closure when the container is connected to the machine.
Depending on the type of bulk material stored in the tank, it has been observed that, the bulk material stored above the dispensing closure and lying other the inner disc member rotates with said inner disc member when the latter rotates. As a result, bulk material does not fill correctly the outlet aperture of the outer disc member and the dosing is not consistent from one dosing operation to another. This problem was particularly noticed with instant coffee powders presenting a low density or a heterogeneous granulometry. This problem of consistent dosing directly affects the quality of the beverage produced from the dose of powder since the dose is usually defined to be mixed with another specific dose of diluent. If the dosing of the powder is inconsistent, the quality of the resulting beverage is inconsistent too.
In addition, in one embodiment of this type of container for storing and dispensing a bulk material, the dispensing closure can be removably attached to the tank in order to enable the refilling of the tank. Often, the container is refilled before it is completely empty that is while some doses of bulk material are still present in the tank. During the refilling operation, the container is oriented upside down and the dispensing closure is detached to get access to the bottom end of the tank and to pour new bulk material inside the tank before attaching back the dispensing closure to the bottom end of the tank and reversing the orientation of the container in its position of use. As a result, further to the refilling operation, the last doses of bulk material present in the tank before refilling are positioned at the top end of the tank, meaning there is a risk that after several refilling operations, the same old doses of bulk material are still present in the tank, which is not recommended.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,516 describes a container for storing and dispensing a bulk material, the container comprising:                a tank, and        a dispensing closure for dispensing the product from the tank comprising:                    an inner rotatable drum with two cylindrical compartments,            a bottom closed end with a single opening designed to cooperate with at least one of said cylindrical compartments,            a plate positioned above the inner rotatable drum and comprising two openings with kidney shape to guarantee full filling of the below compartments.
In order to break product bridges, a mechanical agitator is provided inside the tank. This agitator presents several drawbacks:                the manufacturing is complex to the high number of mechanical pieces, in particular the mechanical agitator,        there is a risk the mechanical agitator becomes blocked due to powder fines sliding inside the central opening of the rotatable drum and caking within,        the cleaning is longer due to the high number of mechanical pieces and their complex shapes,        in addition, the rotatable drum is not able to rotate 360° which does not guarantee the cylindrical compartments are fully filled and impacts the dosing accuracy.
An object of the invention is to address this problem of dosing consistency of the prior art containers whatever the bulk material they are filled with.
Another object of the invention is to address this problem of avoiding the too long presence of bulk material in the tank without dispensing.


A electrical interface for an electronic package, using lands on the package which are non-planar with metal layers within the package. This non-planar or tilted land grid array (TLGA) package is assembled with a complementary TLGA socket to make electronic connection to the package.

As electronic circuit chips become increasingly thinner to accommodate a new generation of electronic devices, such as PDAs, cell phones and the like, it is a challenge to provide them with the capability to be interconnected by smaller and smaller connectors. The ability to make connections to smaller and thinner chips is affected by any flexing of the chips or misalignment of the chips and a connector carrying multiple contacts to mate with lands arrayed on the chips.

Tilted land grid array package and socket, systems, and methods


In at least some embodiments, input provided by a single source generates events representing multiple source types through a mapping process, e.g. a touch input generates both touch and mouse events. By configuring the system to not recognize certain gestures, messages associated with the events of the different source types are then interleaved and provided to an associated application for processing. Efficiencies are gained by configuring the system to interleave the messages associated with the source types because messages of one source type can be processed sooner than if the messages of the one source type were queued up and sent in a non-interleaved fashion.

Many web sites are primarily designed for mouse input. That is, the web sites react to script events such as mousedown, mouseup, mousemove. However, newer hardware devices and evolving platforms have provided the capability for entering input by other ways, e.g., touch input and input through a natural user interface (NUI). These newer devices and systems can present compatibility and performance challenges for applications that were designed primarily for mouse input.

Supporting different event models using a single input source


A circuit for driving ultrasound transducers uses a sample-and-hold circuit to sample multiple sample periods of a transducer driving waveform, and uses the samples to modify drive parameters. Use of multiple sample periods enables independent measurement and adjustment of different portions of the transducer driving waveform to ensure mirror symmetry.

In pulsed ultrasonography, short bursts of ultrasonic sound pressure waves are generated, and an image is formed from the reflected sound waves (echoes). The sound waves are typically produced by piezoelectric transducers. When a sound wave encounters a change in density, part of the sound wave is reflected back to the transducers. The time for an echo to return indicates the distance to the change in density, and the magnitude of the echo indicates the magnitude of the change in density. In conventional imaging, an image is formed from echoes having the same frequency as the transmitted frequency. In harmonic imaging, an image is formed from echoes having a frequency that is an integer multiple (harmonic) of the transmitted frequency. Typically, for harmonic imaging, only the second harmonic (the frequency that is twice the frequency of the fundamental frequency) has a sufficient intensity to provide useful imaging.
Harmonics may be generated as a result of a sound wave traveling through an elastic substance. As a sound wave travels through a substance, the peaks and troughs of the pressure wave cause the substance to alternately compress and expand. During compression, density increases, and the sound propagates slightly faster. During expansion, density decreases, and the sound propagates slightly slower. In addition, some substances are not linearly elastic. In particular, body tissues compress less than they expand. As a result of sound propagation speed and nonlinear elasticity, the sound waveform becomes progressively more distorted (asymmetrical) as it propagates, and the distortion produces harmonics of the fundamental frequency. In some situations, there are advantages to generating an image from harmonics instead of generating an image from the fundamental frequency. For one, a higher frequency provides improved spatial resolution to enable imaging of smaller objects. In addition, for body tissue, there are artifacts generated by reverberations of the body wall, and by weak echoes from the edge of the sound beam. Because harmonics are generated deeper in the tissue, they are not affected by the body wall. In addition, harmonic intensity is proportional to the square of the fundamental intensity, so weak fundamental echoes generate very weak harmonics that have less effect on the resulting images.
Harmonics of the transmitted frequency may also be generated by contrast agents that are injected into a region of interest. The contrast agents contain very small bubbles that vibrate at twice the frequency of the transmitted frequency. As a result, the strongest signal from the body at twice the frequency of the transmitted frequency comes from the region of tissue where the bubbles are located. In the resulting images, the region of tissue where the bubbles are located has a high contrast relative to other tissue.
Multiple techniques are used to eliminate the fundamental frequency in the echoes for harmonic imaging. One technique is to use a band-pass or high-pass filter on the signals from the echoes. Another technique is to add the echoes from two opposite polarity waveforms.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example ideal signal 100 for driving a piezoelectric transducer for harmonic imaging. There is a first waveform, called an upright waveform, indicated by time period 102. At some time later, there is an inverted waveform, indicated by time period 104. The upright waveform has a positive pulse, indicated by time period 106, followed by a negative pulse indicated by time period 108. The inverted waveform has a negative pulse, indicated by time period 110, followed by a positive pulse, indicated by time period 112. Echoes from each transmitted upright waveform and each transmitted inverted waveform are generated when the waveforms encounter a change in density, or when the transmitted waveforms excite a contrast agent. An echo from the upright waveform may be digitized and stored in memory. Likewise, an echo from the inverted waveform may be digitized and stored in memory. The two echo waveforms may be added together, and any differences are assumed to be from distortions generated within the substance being imaged, or from harmonics generated by contrast agents.
For the technique in which echoes from two successive transmitted waveforms are added, it is important that any differences resulting from addition of echoes are generated by asymmetrical propagation within the substance being imaged, or are generated by contrast agents, and not from any differences in the original transmitted waveforms. Ideally, the upright waveform and the inverted waveform are perfectly mirror symmetrical. There is an ongoing need to improve the symmetry of transmitted waveforms for ultrasound harmonic imaging.


A method and apparatus for creating an antenna system. A configuration for a plurality of antenna cells is selected for an antenna in the antenna system. Each antenna cell in the plurality of antenna cells comprises a plurality of antenna elements having a symmetric arrangement. A portion of antenna elements in the plurality of antenna elements for each antenna cell in the plurality of antenna cells on a substrate is selected to transmit electromagnetic waves.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates generally to antennas and, in particular, to phased array antennas. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a phased array antenna having unit cells that are identical to each other.
2. Background
A phased array antenna is a group of antennas in which the relative phases of the respective waves sent to and from the antennas may be varied. The variant of the waves sent to and from the antennas is such that the effect of the radiation pattern of the antennas is reinforced in a desired direction and suppressed in undesired directions. In other words, one or more beams may be generated that may be pointed in or steered into different directions. A beam pointing in a transmit or receive phased array antenna is achieved by controlling the phasing timing of the transmitted or received signal from each antenna in the phased array antenna. The antennas in the phased array antenna may also be referred to as antenna elements.
The individual radiated waves are combined to form the constructive and destructive interference patterns of the array. A phased array antenna may be used to point one or more fixed beams or to scan one or more beams in azimuth, elevation, or both.
One of the advantages of phased array antennas is that these types of antenna designs are typically thinner than other types of antennas. For example, a phased array antenna may be manufactured having a shape that is thinner than a reflector antenna.
Reducing the size and/or weight of phased array antennas is often a desirable goal. For example, when a phased array antenna is used in an aircraft, a reduction in the size and weight of the phased array antenna may allow for maintaining or increasing performance of the aircraft. The performance that may be of interest may include, for example, without limitation, range, maximum speed, maximum altitude, and/or other types of performances.
In reducing the thickness of phased array antennas, the different electronic circuits are typically mounted in the same plane as the antenna elements. For example, if antenna elements are formed on one side of a plane or substrate, the electronic circuits may be formed on the other side of the substrate. Each antenna element is typically connected to one or more electronic circuits in a package.
The spacing of antenna elements is typically selected as at least about one half of a wavelength for the frequency being used. This selection is made to avoid a grating lobe. A grating lobe is a second main lobe in addition to the first main lobe that is in real space. It is desirable to avoid a second main lobe in transmitting electromagnetic waves in phased array antennas. As a result, a spacing of at least about one half of a wavelength is typically used.
As the frequency increases, the spacing between elements decreases. With currently available circuit designs and packaging for circuit designs, reducing the size of those electronic circuits may be challenging as the frequencies being used increases.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a method and apparatus for overcoming the problems described above.

Phased array antenna using identical antenna cells


A spectroscopic analysis apparatus includes a light source section that radiates light toward an object being imaged, an imaging section that captures light reflected off the object being imaged to acquire an image, a pixel detector that detects an abnormal pixel in the image which is a pixel where a reflectance ratio is greater than or equal to 1 and detects normal pixels in the image each of which is a pixel where the reflectance ratio is smaller than 1, and a light amount corrector that calculates a light amount correction value based on the amounts of light at normal pixels in a pixel area including the abnormal pixel in the image and replaces the amount of light at the abnormal pixel with the light amount correction value.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a camera and an image processing method.
2. Related Art
There is a known apparatus of related art that radiates light toward an object being imaged and captures light reflected off the object being imaged to produce a captured image (see JP-A-2009-33222, for example).
The imaging apparatus (spectroscopic camera) described in JP-A-2009-33222 causes light from the object to be incident on a Fabry-Perot interference filter and allows an image sensor to receive light having passed through the Fabry-Perot interference filter for acquisition of a spectroscopic image.
A spectroscopic camera using a Fabry-Perot interference filter has an advantage of being compact and lightweight, as described in JP-A-2009-33222. On the other hand, to acquire a spectroscopic image based on a sufficient amount of near infrared light, a near infrared light source needs to be provided in an imaging apparatus body. However, providing such a light source in the spectroscopic camera, which is compact as described above, results in a short distance between the light source and an imaging lens. In this case, light specularly reflected off the surface of an object being imaged enters the imaging lens, undesirably resulting in abnormal brightness of part of a spectroscopic image.

Camera and image processing method for spectroscopic analysis of captured image


Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems and methods for a service activation system in a telecommunications network that utilizes one or more generic container files for building the configuration file to instantiate the service on the network. A request for service from a network may be received from an order entry system that includes specific information about the requested service. A collection of generic configuration files may be selected based on the information included in the service order and arranged to build a configuration file to be executed on the network. The service activation system may also include a component or group of components to verify a received service order and alter the service order with default information or data where applicable. The configuration file may also be executed on the network through one or more drivers communicating with the affected devices to configure the one or more network devices.

A service provider in the telecommunications industry faces unique challenges with respect to providing the required technical infrastructure to fulfill services for its customers. The service provider must process orders from clients for various possible services, where each order and each possible service may require unique configurations of numerous devices needed to fulfill the service. However, conventional order provisioning systems often require customers or the provisioning systems to have knowledge of the network configuration when requesting services. For example, a customer to a network may request a VPN connection in a network that may include a variety of devices providing aspects of the requested service. However, the network information available to the provisioning system may be out of date such that availability of particular devices or interfaces of the network may no longer be available to provide the services. Thus, when a requested service order is submitted to the provisioning system, many conventional systems generate errors and/or require new orders to be submitted.
Further, conventional order provisioning systems may not address compatibility issues. For example, a service provider may receive orders from different types of order entry systems, which may require collection of different types of data to fulfill the orders. Further still, different devices may need to be configured to provide a service that may require different types or forms of configuration information. A conventional system may often require manual intervention to configure different types of devices or otherwise access information needed for different device configurations.
It is with these observations in mind, among other, that aspects of the present disclosure were conceived.


A cosmetic instrument for applying a product to a surface includes a handle and an applicator. At least a portion of the cosmetic instrument may change from a first color to a second color in response to occurrence of a condition, such as exposure to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., ultraviolet light or infrared light) or when a temperature of the cosmetic instrument is within a predetermined temperature range. For example, one or more portions of the handle and/or applicator of the cosmetic instrument may be configured to change color in response to the occurrence of the condition.

A cosmetic instrument may include a handle or housing to hold an applicator (e.g., a brush with hairs or bristles, a sponge, flocking, etc.) to apply cosmetic or medicinal products. Both the handle and the applicator may each be manufactured using a color or set of colors that are permanent (e.g., do not change).


A linearity-improved differential amplification circuit is provided, A linearity-improved differential amplification circuit comprises a main differential amplification unit differentially amplifying a first and a second input signals, a main bias unit biasing the main differential amplification unit, a first current source coupled in series between a power supply voltage terminal and the main bias unit and an auxiliary differential amplification unit differentially amplifying the first and the second input signal and coupled to the main differential amplification unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a differential amplification circuit, and more particularly, to a differential amplification circuit extending an operation region and improving a linearity.
2. Description of the Background Ar
A radio frequency (RF) circuit configured with a single ended circuit often has disadvantages such as a signal coupling event and an even order distortion event in a highly integrated circuit like a system-on-a-chip (SoC).
Hence, a differential circuit is generally employed to overcome the above disadvantages.
The typical differential circuit is used more frequently in a highly integrated circuit (e.g., SoC) than in the aforementioned single ended circuit because the differential circuit has a high common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) and second-order intercept point (IIP2).
However, when the typical differential circuit uses a fully differential amplifier (FDA), an operation region may be reduced due to a voltage headroom limitation associated with the FDA.
Another type of FDA was introduced by Nokia Corporation to overcome the voltage headroom limitation
The other type of FDA was taught in an article, entitled "Cancellation of Second-Order Intermodulation Distortion and Enhancement of IIP2 in Common-Source and Common-Emitter RE Transconductors" (IEEE, Vol, 52, NO. 2, February, 2005),
FIG. 1 illustrates the other type of FDA introduced by Nokia Corporation.
The other type of FDA includes first to fourth transistors MN1, MN2, MNb1, and MNb2, a current source Isb, first and second bias resistors RB and RB, and first and second capacitors C1 and C2.
The first and second transistors MN1 and MN2 are parts of an amplification circuit, wherein the first and second transistors MN1 and MN2 are configured as a differential pair that amplifies a difference between input voltages Vin+ and Vin−.
The first and second transistors MN1 and MN2 are biased by the first and second bias resistors RB and RB, and the current source Isb. The first and second bias resistors RB and RB have the same resistance level.
The first and second capacitors C1 and C2 are configured in a direct current (DC)-blocking circuit that removes a DC component from the input voltages Vin+ and Vin−. The third and fourth transistors MNb1 and MNb2 are configured as a bias circuit.
The first and second transistors MN1 and MN2, which are the differential pair of the amplification circuit, are configured to common source circuits. Due to this configuration, the first and second transistors MN1 and MN2 can reduce second-order intermodulation (IM2) distortion and enhance IIP2.
A method of reducing the IM2 distortion and enhancing the IIP2 by the configuration of the amplification circuit with the differential circuit is described in the aforementioned article, and thus, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
The above differential circuit allows a sufficient level of voltage headroom, and thus, the operation region can be enlarged,
However, the other type of FDA may not improve the linearity since the improvement on the linearity of the entire differential circuit usually depends on the improvement on the linearity of the first and second transistors MN1 and MN2 of the amplification circuit.

Linearity-improved differential amplification circuit


This invention discloses one step transition metal free process for synthesis of cyclic carbonates from aldehydes and carbon dioxide. More particularly, the invention relates to single step procedure involving Corey-Chaykovsky reaction and in-situ C02 insertion.

The global warming resulted from increased consumption of fossil fuel is becoming an important environmental issue today. Therefore, it is crucial to use the greenhouse gas (CO2) constructively, after separation from its emission source, to reduce greenhouse effect/global warming as well as to synthesize variety of organic products.
Cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides to produce cyclic carbonates (e.g., ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate) is one of a few industrial synthetic processes that utilize CO2 as a raw material. Cyclic carbonates are widely used as electrolyte components in lithium ion batteries, polar solvents, and intermediates in the production of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.
There is ample literature available on synthesis of organic carbonates from CO2 as it is a very attractive method. The research is progressed in this direction because, using CO2 as an abundant and renewable carbon source, also avoids the use of toxic and environmentally harmful phosgene. The organic carbonates, especially cyclic carbonates, are commercially important; whose usefulness permits their applications in several fields of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, such as manufacturing of engineering plastics, electrolyte solvents for lithium ion batteries, organic solvents, green reagents, and fuel additives etc. In literature cyclic carbonates are synthesized by using epoxides, diols and olefins as starting material using toxic and expensive metal catalyst under harsh reaction conditions.
An article titled "Synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxide and CO2" by Michael North, Riccardo Pasquale and Carl Young published in Green Chemistry Issue 9, 2010, discloses synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2 in presence of a catalyst, as shown below:

Another article titled "Efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and epoxides over cellulose/KI by Shuguang Liang, et al. in Chem. Commun., 2011, 47, 2131-2133, discloses cellulose/KI as a very active, selective, stable, and recyclable catalyst for the cycloaddition reactions of CO2 and epoxides due to the excellent synergetic effect of cellulose and KI. The reaction is as shown below:

Another article titled "Synthesis of cyclic carbonates uses monometallic and helical bimetallic, aluminium complexes" by Jose A. Castro-Osma et al in Catal. Sci. Technol., 2012, 2, 1021-1026, investigated the use of aluminium complexes of a series of bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane derived ligands as catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide and epoxides and found that a bimetallic, helical, heteroscorpionate complex displayed significantly higher catalytic activity than the corresponding monometallic complexes, as shown below:

Yet another article titled "Conversion of carbon dioxide and olefins into cyclic carbonates in water" by Nicolas Eghbali and Chao-Jun Li in Green Chem., 2007, 9, 213-215, discloses a method to convert alkenes and CO2 into cyclic carbonates directly in water by using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) together with 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undecenc-7-ene (DBU) in water, or by using a catalytic amount of bromide ion together with aqueous H2O2 as shown below.

An article entitled "transformation of CO2" by Sakakura in Chem review, 2007, 107, 2365-2387, wherein, over view on synthesis of cyclic carbonates is discussed as per the schemes below:

One step process for synthesis of cyclic carbonates

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research


A time keeping device, including an integrated circuit memory containing tide table data, having the ability to provide custom port information using user supplied offsets. The device provides a tide prediction system to predict and display the times of high and low tides for numerous ports and adjacent areas spanning, for example, the East, West, and Gulf Coast regions of the continental U.S. The device allows the setting and display of the different Port/Substations supported by the tide prediction system, displays the current time, date, and day of the week in standard or military format (24 hour clock), and adjusts for Daylight Saving time. Displays are provided for the phases of the moon from New to Full and back to New Moon, indicating whether it is waxing or waning, and for the current water level height An audible alarm may be generated for the arrival of a new hour, arrival of the next tidal event, or the arrival of a time preset by the user, and the device may also function as a stop watch. The user of the device may establish a plurality of Custom Ports by setting time offsets for high and low tidal events relative to any tidal port supported by the system.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the field of electronic timing devices, and more particularly, to a tide prediction apparatus and method in a compact, portable and/or hand-held tide predicting watch.
2. Background Information
Navigators, fishermen, yachtsmen and shore dwellers everywhere have a need for accurate information concerning the prediction of tides Small craft and cabin cruisers using inland waters need to know the tide and the time it will occur so that they may safely travel without the hazards of low water making navigation treacherous.
By around 1650, it was generally accepted that the movements of the tides were connected with the Moon. Lunar tides are the effect of the Moon's gravitational pull acting on water on the surface of the Earth. The Sun's gravity also has an effect, but less than half that of the Moon's. The magnitude and time lag of the response of the water on the Earth to the pull of the Sun, Moon and other tide generating forces, varies according to terrestrial conditions, such as the depth, shape and size of the sea in a particular tidal area. Spring tides occur when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction (New Moon) or opposition (Full Moon). With these tides, the height and range of the tides is greater than at other times. Neap tides occur when the Sun and Moon are in quadrature, acting at right angles to each other. Neap tides have higher low water and lower high water than average with a range that is smaller than at other times. Perigee and Apogee tides occur because the Moons orbit is elliptical so that its distance from the Earth varies during the month. At Perigee the Moon is closest and at Apogee farthest from the Earth. Meterological and geographic conditions cause differences between the tides predicted on the basis of the forces described above and actual tides. Winds and barometric pressure changes, due to storms for instance, cause variations in the height of the tides. River estuaries and narrow tide channels also affect tidal profiles. Because of the multitude of effects, it is important to have the most accurate and up to date tidal predictions science can provide.
Around 1830, the first tide predictions for the United States were published in The American Almanac. In 1883, William Ferrel introduced the Maxima and Minima Tide Predictor. This machine summed nineteen constituents, e.g., a harmonic element of the tide generating force derived from the relative positions of the Earth, Moon and Sun. This machine predicted high and low tides from 1885 to 1914.
In 1912, Rollin A. Harris and E. G. Fischer produced an analog machine that summed 37 constituents. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) used this machine, known as "Old Brass Brains" from 1912 through 1965. Presently NOAA displays it in its headquarters in Washington, D.C.
In 1965, analog to digital tide gauges were introduced. In 1966, electronic digital computers began to compute all constituents as described in the Manual of Harmonic Analysis and Prediction of Tides, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey.
The output of NOAA's computers, plus local secondary offset observations and constants, creates their published Tide Table predictions, which appear daily in almost all newspapers published within 150 miles of the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coast lines, and in numerous almanacs and smaller publications of local interest. Both the radio and TV media broadcast tide times throughout the day. The end users of this information are coastal pilots, small and large power or sail boaters, fishermen, both recreational and commercial, coastal residents, marine engineers, skin and scuba divers, beachcombers, and others with an interest in marine or nautical oriented activities. The tide tables produced by NOAA give good accuracy, but are inconvenient to use. Usually, one has to look up the primary Reference Station, correct for Daylight Savings Time, look in the back for published offsets, and then determine the predicted tide at a station near your location
Computer programs exist for home use on home computers to predict tides using average times between tides, and there are some portable tide predicting devices available. These existing systems have various drawbacks and limitations.
Banner, U.S. Pat. No. 3,982,104 discloses a time and tide calculating device for wrist watches, clocks and calculators that registers the tides and the time of the tides, comprising rotatable concentric tide and calender discs placed adjacent to a clock face for indicative registration and cooperation with time telling devices. These mechanical discs are rotated and tide data indicated by markings on the discs. This device relies on an average tide occurrence lag of 50 minutes each day, which makes it inaccurate since the "time lag" varies each day, sometimes being greater and sometimes less than the average. This average is based on the idea that tides follow the Moon slavishly, and ignores other effects In fact, the interval which the Moon takes to appear to circle the Earth increases and decreases as the lunar month progresses. Also, changing locations requires resetting the device or renders it useless. For instance, at Galveston, Tex., tide tables reveal that usually there are two high and low tides per day, but that sometimes only one high and one low tide occur per day. The intervals from day to day vary from a few minutes to nearly two hours. Hence, tide predictions using this device have substantial limitations.
Showalter, U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,749 discloses a programmable electronic time and tide clock which displays the real time, whether the next tide will be a high or low tide, and the time the next high or low tide will occur. This device's operation is based on an average time plus a single interval correction between peak high and low tides, with its inherent inaccuracies as mentioned earlier. Changing locations would make the device go completely out of synchronization.
There is known a digital LCD watch with a programmed tide indicator which operates to indicate tide height and rise/fall. It is programmed to indicate future tide conditions for up to 364 days in advance. It has five modes of operation including an alarm mode, a countdown timer mode, a tide set mode in which tide table data is entered into the device manually for day one of a particular month and location, a future tide mode in which, after entering data in the tide set mode described above, one enters a future month day and time to have the tide state and conditions for that future time displayed, and a time set mode for conventional time and calendar setting. The device utilizes a six hour twelve minute cycle which is an average high to low tide interval, and thus is generally inaccurate as mentioned earlier. When a location is changed, this average cycle device becomes completely out of synchronization.
There is also known a tide prediction device which comes in East Coast and West Coast versions. The East Coast version operates through the year 1999 and includes 3076 tide locations and 1416 current locations. The West Coast version operates through the year 2003 and includes 1147 tide locations and 902 current locations Software updates are required to extend the operating life of the device as well as add new tide and current locations when released by NOAA. The device is hand-held and battery operated. It will compute the next high, low, minus, or ebb tide, the next flood or slack current, the height and direction of the tide at any time, and the speed and direction of the current at any time. There is no provision for providing custom ports, i.e., for calculating the tide occurrences at locations offset from the 3076 included in the East Coast version, for instance.
Thus there has been a need for a tide prediction apparatus which is both highly accurate, reflecting true tide values as opposed to average values, and flexible, providing for custom offset locations, to overcome these and other drawbacks present in the existing systems.


A microprocessor-controlled data-processing system is used to process key strokes from a musical keyboard and output a series of note events (e.g., via midi) to a tone-producing device. The microprocessor runs software which splits the keyboard into at least two zones: A root-select zone which consists of at least one octave of keys, and a strum-trigger zone. Pre-determined notes lists, or chords, are stored in an array in the system's memory. The array classifies the note lists according to (1) chord root (C, C#, D, etc.), and (2) chord type (e.g., major, minor, etc.). Different keys within the strum-trigger zone are pre-assigned to different chord types. Depression of a strum-trigger key as a root-select key is depressed causes the data-processing system to (1) select one of the note lists, and (2) output an arpeggio of the notes contained within the selected list. The note list is selected from the array based on the root note corresponding with the depressed root-select key and the chord type corresponding with the depressed strum-trigger key. Hence, each strum-trigger key performs the dual function of chord type selection and strum triggering.

When a guitarist plays a guitar with standard string tuning and the standard physical configuration (left hand selecting notes on the fretboard and right hand strumming the strings), a downstrum (in which the right hand strokes downward) generally produces an ascending arpeggiated chord. An upstrum generally produces a descending arpeggiated chord. Generally, a guitarist will alternate up and downstrums, producing arpeggiated chords which are alternately ascending and descending. This action is easy, smooth and natural, due to the fact that two chords may be produced with a single up-down cycle of the right hand. This two-chord-per-cycle technique enables a guitarist to easily produce strums in rapid succession. Also, this technique allows a guitarist to easily introduce a swing factor into the timing of the strums. A swing factor or "feel" is present when the elapsed time between an upstrum and a downstrum is different than the elapsed time between a downstrum and an upstrum. By consistently alternating strums with the same time difference, a guitarist can produce a desired swing feel. A guitarist may easily achieve this effect by simply displacing the center of his stroke either slightly above or slightly below the vertical center of the six strings (the vertical center of the strings is between the D and G strings). This displacement of stroke is so easy and natural that guitarists are often not even aware that they are doing it.
Various known prior art processing systems enable a keyboardist to simulate guitar strums. However, these prior art systems have been found to be lacking in the above stated advantageous qualities which a guitar possesses.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,379,420 (Deutsch) describes a keyboard guitar emulator in which a group of keys perform the dual function of chord selection and arpeggiated chord triggering. In text column 11, lines 44-68, an alternating strum direction feature is disclosed. A musician, or user, may trigger a first strum by depressing a chord on the keyboard. Once the chord is depressed and held, an additional strum, alternating in direction, may be triggered by lifting any key within the chord and re-pressing it. Since a chord is triggered only when the key moves from rest to depressed position, the two-chord-per-cycle technique described above is not possible and the above described advantages of this technique are not realized.
Other guitar emulators provide a separate trigger switch to trigger arpeggiated chords, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,967,520 (Drydyk), but none of the known prior art enables a user to produce arpeggiated chords in alternating directions with the same easy, smooth, and natural action of strumming a guitar.

Method for producing real-time rhythm guitar performance with keyboard


A method for controlling a monitoring camera, and which includes generating a mask image using a first mask color, synthesizing the mask image on a specific region of a camera image captured by the monitoring camera, detecting a brightness value of the camera image, determining a second mask color corresponding to the detected brightness value of the camera image, and changing the first mask color of the mask image synthesized on the camera image to the determined second mask color.

1. Field of the Invention
The present application relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a color of a mask of a monitoring camera.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which a digital video recorder is connected to a plurality of monitoring cameras. In this example, sixteen monitoring cameras are connected to one digital video recorder (DVR). Further, camera images shot by the sixteen monitoring cameras may be written and stored in a hard disk HDD in the digital video recorder, or may be displayed on the screen of a monitor connected to the digital video recorder.
FIG. 2 illustrates the construction of a general monitoring camera. For example, the monitoring camera includes a zoom lens 10, a focus lens 11, an iris 12, a CCD 13, an amplifier 14, a signal processor 15, a mixer 16, an interface 17, a motor driver 18, a microcomputer 19, a mask generator 20, a memory 21, a keypad 22, and so on.
In addition, the microcomputer 19 operatively controls the motor driver 18, the signal processor 15, and so on to output a camera image shot in real time to the digital video recorder DVR. Moreover, the microcomputer 19 operatively controls the mask generator 20 to generate and output a mask image of a certain shape and color, and the mixer 16 synthesizes the mask image on a specific region of the camera image, thereby preventing the specific region of the camera image from being visible. That is, the masked region is generally masked or covered to establish some privacy protection or the like from the captured image.
However, in a general monitoring camera, the color of a mask image synthesized on a specific region of a camera image is generated as a certain color set by a user. Thus, there is the problem that when the camera image is lightened or darkened, it is difficult or impossible to identify the camera image requiring privacy protection.
Further, there is the problem that even if an object motion occurs within a specific region of a camera image synthesized with a mask image, the user cannot see the corresponding object image and does not even know whether or not an object motion has occurred because the mask image is synthesized.

Apparatus and method for controlling color of mask of monitoring camera


The present invention generally relates to a microcolumn capable of separating an analyte from a sample in the millisecond time domain. The microcolumn is capable of such rapid separation by employing small column volumes that can tolerate medium to high flow rates. The invention also relates to a method of loading a microcolumn capable of separating an analyte from a sample in the millisecond time domain using plural injections of the packing material.

The current invention is generally directed toward a microcolumn and a method of loading a microcolumn. The microcolumn produced by the method of the invention is capable of separating an analyte from a sample in the millisecond time scale by using small column volumes that can tolerate medium to high flow rates.
One area of continuing interest in the field of analytical chemistry is the development of separation techniques that achieve extraction of an analyte from a sample in the millisecond time domain. The ability to rapidly and accurately separate analytes from a sample has a number of important applications in the health, pharmaceutical, clinical, research and environmental fields. One such application, for example, is the ability to rapidly extract the biologically active form of a drug, hormone, or toxin from a biological sample. This is of particular interest in clinical chemistry and pharmaceutical science as a means for controlling and studying the effect of drugs and/or hormones within the body.
Techniques such as microbore HPLC and capillary HPLC have attempted to decrease separation times and increase separation efficiency by decreasing column diameter with a corresponding increase in column length. The small column diameter acts to decrease column volume, while the increased column length serves to provide more contacts between the analyte and the separation medium. Although these techniques have increased separation efficiency by obtaining narrower elution peaks, they have not resulted in separations in the millisecond time domain.
In another approach, some techniques have attempted to decrease extraction time by reducing column lengths. Many HPLC-based immunoaffinity columns are now in the size range of a few millimeters to a few centimeters. However, columns with these dimensions, while separating an analyte from a sample in a few seconds, cannot achieve separation in the millisecond time domain. Additionally, membrane supports based on polymeric materials that are several millimeters to several centimeters in diameter and several millimeters in length have been developed. However, like the immunoaffinity columns previously discussed, the membrane supports are not capable of separating an analyte from a sample in the millisecond time domain.
Accordingly, a need exists for a column with dimensions that are capable of achieving a high rate of selective separation in the millisecond time domain.
Among the several aspects of the invention therefore, is provided a method of loading a microcolumn comprising an active layer and an inert layer, the active layer being capable of separating an analyte from a sample, the method comprising introducing the active layer into the microcolumn such that the active layer is capable of separating the analyte from the sample within the millisecond time domain, and introducing the inert layer.
Another aspect of the invention is provided a microcolumn for separating an analyte from a sample, the microcolumn comprising an active layer capable of separating the analyte from the sample in the millisecond time domain, and an inert layer.
In yet a further aspect is provided a method for separating an analyte from a sample in the millisecond time domain, the method comprising applying the sample to the microcolumn described herein.

Loading microcolums for the separation of analytes from a sample in the millisecond time scale

The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska


An edge inspection method for detecting defects on a wafer edge normal surface includes acquiring a set of digital images which captures a circumference of the wafer. An edge of the wafer about the circumference is determined. Each digital image is segmented into a plurality of horizontal bands. Adjacent edge clusters about the circumference of the wafer are combined into edge pixel bins. The edge pixel bins are analyzed via edge clusters analysis to identify defects. The edge pixel bins are also analyzed via blob analysis to determine defects.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an inspection system that inspects the edge normal surface of a semiconductor wafer or like substrate such as a microelectronics substrate to identify defects therealong.
2. Background Information
Over the past several decades, the semiconductor has exponentially grown in use and popularity. The semiconductor has in effect revolutionized society by introducing computers, electronic advances, and generally revolutionizing many previously difficult, expensive and/or time consuming mechanical processes into simplistic and quick electronic processes. This boom in semiconductors has been fueled by an insatiable desire by business and individuals for computers and electronics. Therefore, there is a need for faster, more advanced computers and electronics. To satisfy this need, quality and efficiency is required, whether it be on an assembly line, on test equipment in a lab, on the personal computer at one's desk, or in home electronics and toys.
Manufacturers of semiconductors have made vast improvements in end product quality, speed and performance as well as in manufacturing process quality, speed and performance. However, there continues to be demand for faster, more reliable and higher performing semiconductors. To assist these demands, better inspection is necessary to increase yields. One area that has been generally ignored is the edge of the semiconductor wafer. It is believed that inspection of such edge area will lead to better information on defects, thereby enabling improved process control and improved wafer yields.
In the past when attempts to inspect the edge of a semiconductor wafer were made, it was generally performed manually with the naked eye of a human operator. As with all human inspection, repeatability, training, and capture rate are subject to flux. It has recently been discovered that edge inspection is important for detecting delamination of thin films, chipping and cracking of the wafer, resist removal metrology, and particle detection that all cause yield issues in a modern fab. Furthermore, the edge of the wafer is a leading indicator of process status, and by monitoring the edge of the wafer for changes in appearance, tighter process control can be implemented.
One proposed solution looks directly at the edge normal of the wafer. This solution provides limited benefits in detecting particles and chip-outs, and is limited in classifying defects. There is a need for continued improvement in edge inspection, in particular, for unique, robust methods, processes, and algorithms to accomplish an edge normal inspection.


A voltage generator includes a detector for outputting a driving signal according to comparison results of a reference voltage and a pumping voltage, an oscillator for generating an oscillation signal in response to the driving signal and varying a period of the oscillation signal according to a level of the pumping voltage, and a pump for pumping an external voltage in response to the oscillation signal to generate the pumping voltage. The voltage generator can quickly increase a pumping voltage up to the target level and improve the efficiency of the pumping voltage by minimizing the ripple components of the pumping voltage.

1. Technical Field
The embodiments described herein relate to a semiconductor integrated circuit and, more particularly, to a voltage generator of a semiconductor integrated circuit.
2. Related Art
A conventional semiconductor integrated circuit uses voltages of various levels. Among them, a pumping voltage (VPP) is generated using an external voltage (VDD) in a voltage generator of the semiconductor integrated circuit.
As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional voltage generator in a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a detector 1, an oscillator 2 and a pump 3. The detector 1 compares a reference voltage (VREF) with a feedback pumping voltage (VPP) to generate an oscillator driving signal 'OSC_EN'. The oscillator 2 oscillates with the oscillator driving signal 'OSC_EN' to generate an oscillation signal 'OSC'. The pump 3 pumps an external voltage (VDD) in response to the oscillation signal 'OSC' to generate the pumping voltage (VPP).
Hereinafter, the operation of a conventional voltage generator will be described.
When the pumping voltage (VPP) is at a low level as compared with the reference voltage (VREF), the detector 1 activates the oscillator driving signal 'OSC_EN'. However, when the pumping voltage (VPP) is at a high level as compared with the reference voltage (VREF), the detector 1 deactivates the oscillator driving signal 'OSC_EN'.
During the initial operation of the voltage generator, the pumping voltage (VPP) is at a level lower than that of the reference voltage (VREF). The reference voltage (VREF) is set in proportion to the target level of the pumping voltage (VPP). Since the pumping voltage (VPP) is at a level lower than that of the reference voltage (VREF), the detector 1 activates and outputs the oscillator driving signal 'OSC_EN'. The oscillator 2 oscillates during the activation period of the oscillator driving signal 'OSC_EN' and outputs the oscillation signal 'OSC' having a fixed period as shown in FIG. 2. The pump 3 pumps the external voltage (VDD) in response to the oscillation signal 'OSC' having a fixed period, thereby outputting the pumping voltage (VPP).
As shown in FIG. 2, since the pump 3 repeatedly turns the pumping operation on/off in response to the oscillation signal 'OSC' having a fixed period even after the level of the pumping voltage (VPP) reaches a target level, the pumping voltage (VPP) continuously creates ripple components.
The pumping voltage (VPP) output from the pump 3 is fed back to the detector 1. Accordingly, the pumping voltage (VPP) maintains the target level through the repetition of the aforementioned process.
However, according in a conventional voltage generator, since the pump 3 repeatedly turns the pumping operation on/off in response to the oscillation signal 'OSC' having a fixed period, the following problems may occur: First, the pumping voltage (VPP) may not quickly reach the target level. Second, since the pumping voltage (VPP) has many ripple components, the pumping voltage (VPP) becomes unstable.

Voltage generator of semiconductor integrated circuit