A substrate cleaning apparatus is capable of individually setting a threshold value for use in making a check of a resistivity during a rinsing process on a recipe setting screen in each process step. Thus, by setting each threshold value depending on the type of liquid chemical to be used immediately before the rinsing process, the substrate cleaning apparatus can use an optimum threshold value during the rinsing process in each process step to make a check of the resistivity. This allows the proper completion of the rinsing process in each process step.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a substrate cleaning apparatus which sequentially performs a liquid chemical process and a rinsing process in a single processing bath upon a substrate to be processed such as a semiconductor wafer, a glass substrate for a liquid crystal display device, a glass substrate for a photomask and the like.
2. Description of the Background Art
Heretofore, there has been known a substrate cleaning apparatus of what is called a one-bath type which sequentially performs a liquid chemical process and a rinsing process upon a substrate within a single processing bath in a substrate manufacturing process. The substrate cleaning apparatus of the one-bath type performs the liquid chemical process on a substrate by immersing the substrate in a liquid chemical stored in the processing bath and causing the liquid chemical to overflow through a top portion of the processing bath while supplying the liquid chemical to the processing bath through a bottom portion thereof. After the completion of the liquid chemical process for a predetermined period of time, the substrate cleaning apparatus of the one-bath type gradually replaces the liquid chemical in the processing bath with deionized water by supplying deionized water to the processing bath through the bottom portion thereof. Then, the substrate cleaning apparatus of the one-bath type performs the rinsing process for a predetermined period of time while causing the deionized water to overflow through the top portion of the processing bath.
Such a background art substrate cleaning apparatus measures the resistivity of the deionized water stored in the processing bath after a lapse of a predetermined time period since the start of the rinsing process. When the measured resistivity is not less than a predetermined threshold value, the substrate cleaning apparatus does not judge that impurities such as liquid chemical components remain in the processing bath, and completes the rinsing process successfully. When the measured resistivity is less than the predetermined threshold value, on the other hand, the substrate cleaning apparatus judges that impurities such as liquid chemical components remain in the processing bath, and issues an alarm to an operator. In this manner, the background art substrate cleaning apparatus controls the operation of completing the rinsing process, based on the resistivity of deionized water.
FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of variations in the resistivity of liquids in the processing bath when the substrate cleaning apparatus of the one-bath type performs a cleaning process while replacing the liquids in the following order: dilute hydrofluoric acid (a liquid chemical), deionized water, an SC-1 (standard cleaning 1; NH4OH—H2O2—H2O) solution (a liquid chemical), deionized water, an SC-2 (standard cleaning 2; HC1—H2O2—H2O) solution (a liquid chemical), and deionized water. As shown in FIG. 4, the resistivity of liquids decreases during the liquid chemical process, and recovers during the rinsing process. The background art substrate cleaning apparatus completes the rinsing process successfully after recognizing that such a resistivity recovers to at least a predetermined threshold value. However, as shown in FIG. 4, the recovery curve of the resistivity during the rinsing process varies significantly depending on the type of chemical liquid used in the immediately preceding liquid chemical process. For example, the resistivity tends to increase less during the rinsing process subsequent to the liquid chemical process using the dilute hydrofluoric acid than during the rinsing process subsequent to the liquid chemical processes using the SC-1 solution and the SC-2 solution.
On the other hand, the background art substrate cleaning apparatus uses a recipe setting screen as illustrated in FIG. 5 to define the processing details of the liquid chemical process and the rinsing process. Whether to make a check of the resistivity at the completion of each process or not is also defined on the recipe setting screen (an area A2 in FIG. 5), and the threshold value serving as a criterion of the check is specified as a single value in other parameter files. For this reason, the background art substrate cleaning apparatus cannot set the threshold value of the resistivity at different values depending on the type of chemical liquid used in the liquid chemical process despite the fact that the recovery curve of the resistivity varies depending on the type of chemical liquid as discussed above.
To prevent the decrease in yield and in device characteristics in a semiconductor device manufacturing process, the substrate cleaning apparatus of the one-bath type as discussed above is used to clean a semiconductor wafer, thereby removing particles and metallic impurities from the surface of the semiconductor wafer. There is, however, apprehension that the resistivity of liquid does not sufficiently recover during the rinsing process under circumstances where the threshold value of the resistivity cannot be set individually depending on the type of liquid chemical as described above. This might cause a liquid chemical component to remain on the surface of the semiconductor wafer after the rinsing process, whereby the liquid chemical component gives rise to the decrease in yield and in device characteristics, even when the liquid chemical process removes particles and metallic impurities from the surface of the semiconductor wafer. In particular, there is a danger that reliability problems such as a withstand voltage failure of a gate insulation film come up in the step of forming the gate insulation film and in the step of forming a capacitor.
In the step of forming the gate insulation film on the surface of the semiconductor wafer, for example, a cleaning process as described above (i.e., the cleaning process performed while the liquids are replaced in the following order: dilute hydrofluoric acid, deionized water, the SC-1 solution, deionized water, the SC-2 solution, and deionized water) is performed as pre-cleaning. In such a case, insufficient removal of the liquid chemical component during the rinsing process subsequent to the liquid chemical process might give rise to problems to be described below.
Dilute hydrofluoric acid is used mainly for the removal of a sacrificial oxide film. If a dilute hydrofluoric acid component remains after the rinsing process, there is a danger that the dilute hydrofluoric acid component deteriorates the roughness of a silicon surface on which the gate insulation film is to be formed. Additionally, the dilute hydrofluoric acid component leads to the expansion of crystal defects and pits in the silicon surface to roughen the film quality of the gate insulation film to be formed thereafter, which might result in the decrease in reliability such as the withstand voltage failure of the gate insulation film.
The SC-1 solution is used mainly for the removal of particles. If an ammonia component in the SC-1 solution remains after the rinsing process, there is a danger that the ammonia component deteriorates the roughness of the silicon surface on which the gate insulation film is to be formed. Additionally, the ammonia component leads to the expansion of crystal defects and pits in the silicon surface to roughen the film quality of the gate insulation film to be formed thereafter, which might result in the decrease in reliability such as the withstand voltage failure of the gate insulation film.
The SC-2 solution is used mainly for the removal of metallic impurities. If a chloride component in the SC-2 solution remains after the rinsing process, light metal such as calcium (Ca) is liable to adhere to the surface of the semiconductor wafer. Thus, the light metal adhering to the surface becomes particles, which might cause the withstand voltage failure of the gate insulation film.

Method of and apparatus for cleaning substrate


A circuit board connector includes a contact having a mating end with a spring beam having a separable mating interface and a terminating end configured to be terminated to a wire. A housing holds the contact and includes a main body extending between a front and a rear. The housing has a mounting flange extending from the main body. The main body has a contact channel holding the contact and a wire barrel at the front configured to receive the wire. The rear of the main body is positionable on the circuit board such that the spring beam of the contact is aligned with the contact pad. A fastener is coupled to the mounting flange and is used to secure the housing to a substrate independent of the circuit board.

The subject matter herein relates generally to circuit board connectors.
Circuit boards have many applications, including lighting applications where LEDs are mounted on the circuit board. To provide power to the circuit boards, wires are typically soldered to pads on the circuit board, which is time consuming and does not lend itself to automation. Some known applications use connectors or headers mounted to the circuit boards with mating connectors terminated to ends of power cables that are plugged into the connectors or headers on the circuit board. Such applications increase the overall cost by requiring two complementary connector halves that must be assembled and then later mated together. Additionally, the connectors or headers are typically soldered to the circuit board and a supplier of such connectors and circuit boards may need to keep a supply of different circuit boards with different connector options in stock to achieve different final end applications.
A need remains for a cost effective and reliable system for connecting wires to circuit boards.


In a connector lock structure 1 provided at female and male connectors which can be fitted together, the female connector 2 has an engagement portion 14, and a slide lock member 13 is supported on the male connector 3 so as to move at least in connector-inserting and connector-withdrawing directions. The slide lock member 13 includes a retaining portion 16 for engagement with the engagement portion 14, and urging member 36 for urging the slide lock member 13. When the engagement portion 14 reaches an engagement position where it is engaged with the retaining portion 16 at the time when the female and male connectors are completely fitted together, the slide lock member 13 is automatically moved by the urging member 36, so that the retaining portion 16 is engaged with the engagement portion 14.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a connector lock structure for a pair of female and male connectors which can be fitted together so that connection terminals in one of the two connectors are electrically connected respectively to the connection terminals in the other connector.
2. Related Art
There is shown one conventional connector lock structure in which engagement projections are formed on a wire harness-side male connector housing, and passage grooves for the passage of the engagement projections of the male connector housing therethrough are formed in a hood portion of an equipment-side (board-side) female connector housing relative to which the male connector housing can be inserted and withdrawn, and a slide member can be moved in a direction perpendicular to a connector inserting/withdrawing direction (that is, a connector inserting direction and a connector withdrawing direction) by pressing an operating portion, and the slide member has elastic retaining projections which can be engaged with the engagement projections at a position disposed rearwardly of the passage grooves in the connector inserting direction.
In such a connector lock structure, the slide member is operated or pressed, and at the time when the female and male connector housings are fitted together, the retaining projections of a lock arm are engaged respectively with the engagement projections of the male connector housing, thereby achieving a locked condition. By moving the slide member in a direction opposite to the locking direction by an amount corresponding to a width of one engagement projection, the locked condition is canceled.
However, in the connector lock structure disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication JP-A-11-040266, not only when the male connector housing is to be inserted into the female connector housing but also when the former is to be withdrawn from the latter, it is necessary to press the slide member in the direction perpendicular to the connector inserting/withdrawing direction so as to effect the locking operation and the unlocking operation. In recent years, the slide member has inevitably been formed into a small size because of a demand for a compact design of the connector, and therefore it has been difficult to secure the satisfactory operability of the slide member. Particularly, the operation (in which simultaneously when moving the male connector housing in the connector inserting/withdrawing direction, the slide member is moved independently in the direction perpendicular to the connector inserting/withdrawing direction) makes the pressing operation of the slide member complicated, and this has been a cause for a hindrance to the positive locking and unlocking operations.


A chuck assembly has a wafer chuck attached to a shaft that has a passage defined therewithin. The chuck assembly also has a seal module that has a rotatable assembly and a fixed assembly. The rotatable assembly is disposed around and anchored to the shaft and has a spacer, a rotatable collar, a rotatable diaphragm, and a rotatable seal ring connected to the rotatable collar through the diaphragm with a leak-tight seal. The fixed assembly is disposed around the spacer and has a fixed collar and a fixed seal ring that is sealed to the fixed collar with a leak-tight seal. The fixed collar has a passage defined therewithin that has an opening that connects through the spacer to the passage defined within the shaft. The chuck assembly further includes a housing, to which the fixed assembly is fastened, that may be affixed to a base.

1. Field
This application generally relates to a low temperature rotary union, and, more specifically, to an extremely low temperature rotary union implemented in a seal module, which is used to supply coolant to a rotating wafer chuck.
2. Description of the Related Art
The push for smaller transistors has led to the need for shallower and higher quality semiconductor junctions. For example, modern complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistors require very shallow and abrupt source and drain junctions.
One approach to forming a shallower and higher quality junction involves amorphization of the semiconductor surface on one side of the junction. In particular, during ion implantation of the junction, one side of the junction is amorphized. The amorphization of the semiconductor surface can be increased by performing ion implantation with the semiconductor substrate at a lower temperature.
In one conventional approach, the wafer is cooled prior to performing ion implantation. One problem with this approach is that the temperature of the wafer, and thus the semiconductor substrate, will increase during ion implantation.


A survey monument has a simple spring clip extraction restricting means formed as a wire form spring member to provide a straight leg inserted in a diametral opening in the rod and a curved co-planar leg which effects a snap fit with the outer periphery of the rod. An axially extending leg is offset radially outwardly and yields to displacement while imparting rotational torque to the rod when the rod is driven into the ground, but opens and restricts extraction when the rod is moved in an opposite direction.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to survey monuments and more specifically relates to an improved extraction restricting device for utilization therewith.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art is exemplified by post like structures such as fence posts, fence anchors, trap anchoring stakes, ground anchors and picket pins. In most of such devices, flukes are provided to close upon the posts as it is being driven into the ground. However, if an effort is made to raise the post, a spreading out of the flukes will occur and will restrict extraction. For example, see Eddy U.S. Pat. No. 219,703, Runyon U.S. Pat. No. 362,183, Bearse U.S. Pat. No. 742,279, Rivinoja U.S. Pat. No. 1,249,200 and Lee U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,683.
In each of such prior art patents, a relatively complex construction is employed and a special construction of either the post, the devices or both is necessary.
Rousseau et al. U.S. Pat. No. 824,158 and McGreevey U.S. Pat. No. 991,525 show land anchoring means which are of general interest to illustrate the state of the art.

Survey monument and improved extraction restriction means therefor


An oxygen sensor for sensing dissolved oxygen concentration in tissue includes an electrochemical sensor comprising first and second conductive threads having proximal sections connected to a potentiostat. The first thread forms a cathode, and the second thread forms an anode.

Oxygen plays a key role in human physiology. For example, it is used in energy production through cellular respiration. It also participates in various bodily function ranging from memory storage and cognitive function to tissue repair and regeneration during would healing. A lack of oxygen in tissue or blood is associated with many diseases, such as cerebral ischemia, congestive heart failure, and cancer.
In addition, oxygen is abnormally modulated in various diseases. As a result, in situ monitoring of oxygen is an important biomarker for assessing insufficient oxygen delivery and the resulting tissue damage.
A lack of oxygen is of particular importance in the context of wound healing. The process of healing a would is characterized by the stepwise inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases. Disruption of these phases, for example by lack of oxygen, can lead to a chronic wound. The level of tissue oxygenation is thus an important biomarker in the process of wound healing.
Known oxygen sensors only measure superficial oxygen levels in a shallow wound bed. However, these oxygen levels, even if accurately determined, will differ from that present deep in the tissue. This is because oxygen at or near the surface equilibrates with atmosphere oxygen levels.
A difficulty that arises in known oxygen sensors is that it is difficult to measure oxygen levels deep inside tissue. This can occur as a result of a mismatch between the electrode and the tissue at the interface between the two structures.
Known oxygen sensors include those that rely on interaction between dissolved oxygen and electromagnetic waves, particularly in the near infrared. However, electromagnetic waves tend to attenuate when passing through bodily fluids. As a result, it is difficult to use them to measure dissolved oxygen concentrations deep in the body.


For use in a switch-mode power converter including parallel-coupled first and second switches, the first switch having a temperature-dependent resistance, a circuit for, and method of, distributing current between the first and second switches. In one embodiment, the circuit includes a device having a temperature-dependent characteristic, in thermal communication with the first switch and electrically coupled to a gate of the first switch, that senses a temperature of the first switch, modulates an amplitude of a drive waveform applied to the gate based on the temperature and thereby redistributes the current.

Switch-mode power converters are widely used in various power conversion applications, such as single-phase and three-phase power factor corrected AC/DC rectifiers and DC/AC inverters. As the power levels of the converters are increased, multiple fast switching parallel-coupled semiconductor power switching devices are employed to accomplish system application requirements. In some cases, the power switching devices form main boost switches for a boost converter, which are simultaneously turned on and off.
Insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) have much lower conduction losses as compared with field-effect transistors (FETs) and much faster switching capabilities and easier gate drive control when compared to bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and gate turnoff thyristors (GTOs). The IGBT, with its faster switching speed and lower conduction losses, has become a preferred semiconductor switching device for use in high frequency and high power applications.
Unfortunately, the minority carrier switching devices, such as the IGBTs, do not share current well, especially when two or more IGBTs are parallel-coupled. The current-sharing capability of the switching devices is important for high frequency and high power applications where multiple power switching devices are coupled in parallel to handle the required current. The parallel-coupled IGBT switching devices do not share current well primarily because of the conduction characteristics of the mismatched devices and the negative temperature coefficient of the on-state resistances. The IGBT with the better conduction characteristics, i.e., lower voltage drop, carries a larger share of the load current to equalize its voltage drop with the other IGBT. This is the case even when the switching devices are mounted on a common heat sink. Experience and tests have indicated that the current unbalance between parallel-coupled IGBTs may be as high as 50 to 70%, at low currents. The poor current sharing of the switching devices significantly reduces the device silicon utilization due to the current imbalance and the device carrying more current will have a higher body temperature.
To overcome the poor current-sharing capabilities of the parallel-coupled IGBTs, more semiconductor devices are normally used to increase the device current margin. Unfortunately, increasing the number of devices also increases the likelihood of mismatching each device characteristics thereby increasing the complexity of printed wiring board (PWB) circuit layout and the overall cost. As a result of the unpredictable current-sharing capabilities of the parallel-coupled IGBTs, the overall system cost is increased and the reliability substantially reduced.
Accordingly, what is needed in the art is an improved method that provides balanced current distribution for parallel-coupled semiconductor power switches.

Current-sharing circuit for parallel-coupled switches and switch-mode power converter employing the same


A linear guide rail structure includes a guide rail, a dustproof cover, a pressure-exerting plate, and a locking member. The guide rail extends along an axial direction. The guide rail has at least one locking hole extending from a top surface in a height direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The dustproof cover is disposed on the top surface of the guide rail to cover the locking hole. The pressure-exerting plate is disposed on an end portion of the guide rail to press against the dustproof cover. The locking member includes a fastener and at least one pressure-exerting block. The fastener is fixed to the end portion of the guide rail. The pressure-exerting block is locked into the fastener in the height direction to abut against the pressure-exerting plate in the height direction, so that the pressure-exerting plate is pressed against the dustproof cover.

A linear guide rail is generally formed with a plurality of bolt holes arranged along the axial direction of the guide rail. When in use, the guide rail is fixed on a working platform with bolts. In actual use, dust or oil stains often accumulate in the bolt holes, so that when the rigid body of the slider passes through the position of the bolt hole, the dust and dirt enter the rigid body of the slider to hinder the rolling of the rollers in the rigid body of the slider, causing the rigid body of the slider not to run smoothly. Therefore, in order to avoid this phenomenon, bolt hole caps or dustproof covers are provided to cover the bolt holes so as to reduce accumulation of dust, dirt or oil on the bolt holes.
For assembly, in addition to inserting the bolt hole caps into the bolt holes in sequence, it is difficult to keep the surface of the guide rail smooth due to processing tolerances and there is still a phenomenon of accumulation of dust and dirt because the bolt hole caps are inserted into the bolt holes. Besides, the force from the rigid body of the slider when running on the bolt hole caps will cause the bolt hole cap to sink, leading to accumulation of dust and dirt in the gap.
The dustproof cover is in the form of a strip. The use of the dustproof cover to cover the surface of the guide rail can solve the deficiency caused by the use of the bolt hole cap.
As disclosed in U.S. patent application early publication No. 20090257692, titled "guide rail with a cover strip for a linear bearing"; U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,338, titled "arrangement of a cover band on a linear guide"; German Patent No. 19919247, titled "guide rail for linear bearing, with two insertion grooves running longitudinally to connect to longitudinal groove; and PCT Patent No. 0133090, titled "guide rail for a linear bearing", a long groove is provided on the surface of a guide rail, and a dustproof cover has an elastically deformable engaging portion. The dustproof cover covers the long groove on the surface of the guide rail, and the elastically deformable engaging portion is engaged with the inner surface of the long groove by elastic deformation, and the surface of the dustproof cover is flush with the upper surface of the guide rail.
As disclosed in Taiwan Patent No. 201139880, titled "motion guide device and cover for motion guide device"; U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,433 titled "top cover along with a track rail unit and guide unit on which it is equipped"; German Patent No. 10032473 titled "guide rail for linear bearing has cover belt composed of two angle-edged sheet strips"; and German Patent No. 29522090 titled "anordnungzumVerschliessen von Bohrungen in einethihrungsschiene", a guide rail is formed with a counterbore, and an insert is provided under a dustproof cover. The insert of the dustproof cover is elastically deformed and embedded in the counterbore of the guide rail to fix the dustproof cover on the guide rail.
In the foregoing two methods, the engaging portion or the inert of the dustproof cover has been deformed and engaged with the inner surface of the long groove or in the counterbore, so it is not easy to dismantle for maintenance and replacement. In addition, the dustproof cover is only supported and held by the elastic force, so the coupling rigidity in the height direction perpendicular to the guide rail is poor, and the dustproof cover may be unstable.
As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,566 titled "linear motion guide cover band"; U.S. Pat. No. RE42885 titled "linear guide device"; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,261 titled "motion guide device", both sides of a dustproof cover are provided with elastic clamping members. The elastic clamping members are configured to clamp both sides of a guide rail to fix the dustproof cover on the guide rail. This way uses an elastic support for clamping, which strengthens the coupling force perpendicular to the guide rail. However, there is no force in the axial direction for fixing the dustproof cover. It is difficult to effectively avoid the axial movement of the dustproof cover when the slider slides.
In order to prevent a dustproof cover from sliding or loosening, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,894 titled "stopper device for linear guide device" and Japanese Patent No. JP2006009869 titled "linear guide unit", the opposing ends of the guide rail are provided with fixing mechanisms to fix the dustproof cover. The fixing mechanisms are configured to lock the side bent portions of the dustproof cover. The dustproof cover is very thin, having a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The fixing mechanism locks the side bent portions of the dustproof cover, which is prone to stress concentration and damage to the dustproof cover. The lateral component from the fixing mechanisms to lock the side bent portions of the dustproof cover may cause the dustproof cover to loosen and slip.
In order to overcome the problem that the dustproof cover is thin to result in stress concentration and damage to the dustproof cover, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,976 titled "linear guide arrangement", a press member is provided on the dustproof cover, as shown in FIG. 17. The fixing mechanism is locked on the press member. The press member is configured to press the dustproof cover. In this patent, the fixing mechanism is to apply force in the horizontal direction and use friction to fix both ends of the dustproof cover. Since the friction force is about 0.3 to 0.5 of the positive force, the force in the horizontal direction must be 2 to 3 times the fixing force. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a stronger structure to lock the press member when applying a force.
In order to improve the simplicity of the structure, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,976 titled "linear guide arrangement" and Taiwan Utility Model Publication No. M477515U titled "slide rail with cover strip fixing device", the fixed direction and the force direction are set in different axial directions by using the elastic principle of the fixing member. Since the elastic force and the amount of deformation depend on the rigidity of the fixing member, when the rigidity increases, the amount of deformation becomes smaller under the same elastic force. Therefore, in the design of the fixing member, it is required for more precise sizes of processing. When the rigidity is too small, the fixing force will also become smaller, resulting in insufficient fixing force.


Information that is based on a database portion of a first user equipment component is translated from a first database format to a second database format for a download of the information from a network storage component to a second user equipment component. The first database format is understood by the first user equipment component. The second database format is understood by the second user equipment component. The first database format is not understood by the second user equipment component.

Mobile telephones, personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), and personal computers comprise examples of equipment that users employ to communicate, store, and retrieve information. The user equipment comprises an internal database. The user stores in the internal database personal information, for example, telephone numbers, contact information, and buddy lists. As one shortcoming, if the user equipment breaks or is lost, then the user loses that record of the personal information. As another shortcoming, if the user equipment requires replacement, then to avoid loss of the record of the personal information the user must manually reenter the personal information into an internal database of replacement user equipment.
The user equipment may upload/download information to/from a network based storage device. The network based storage device allows the user equipment to transmit information for storage on a remote network via wireless communication. The network based storage device is able to transfer the information in a single format, between user equipment of a single manufacturer, and within the coverage of a single service provider. However, the network based storage device is unable to transfer the information between different formats, different user equipment manufacturers, and different service providers.
As one shortcoming, the user equipment of a first format, manufacturer, or service provider cannot transfer information through the network based storage device to user equipment of a second format, manufacturer, or service provider that is incompatible with the first format, manufacturer, or service provider.
Thus, a need exists for enhanced database format handling for user equipment information employed with a network based storage device. A further need exists for enhanced storage and retrieval of user equipment information on a network based storage device.

Translation of information between database formats understood by different user equipment components for download of the information from network storage component


Calibration of a sensor circuit that includes a sensor, a temperature measurement circuit and a signal processing path. The sensor senses a physical parameter to be measured and generates an electrical sensor output signal representing the physical parameter. The temperature measurement circuit outputs a measured temperature. The signal processing path is coupled to the sensor so as to receive the electrical sensor output signal and use the measured temperature to compensate for temperature variations in the electrical sensor output signal. During calibration, the output voltage of the signal processing path is measured at multiple temperatures, and at multiple values of the physical parameter being measured at each temperature while the signal processing path is disconnected from using the measured temperature of the temperature measurement circuit.

Electronic circuitry provides complex functionality that is proving ever more useful. One type of circuit is a sensor that senses a physical parameter to be measured (such as, for example, pressure), and generates an electrical output signal that represents the measured parameter.
However, the electrical signal output from the sensors may vary with temperature even given a constant value of the physical parameter being measured. More specifically, temperature variations may cause the offset and gain of the electrical signal output from the sensor to vary thereby introducing temperature-induced inaccuracies into the measurement.
Accordingly, sensor circuits often include a signal path that follows the sensor and that allows for some calibration of the circuit to at least partially compensate for these temperature variations. FIG. 5 illustrates an example configuration 500 of a sensor 501 followed by a signal processing path 510. In this model of a signal processing path, the calibration of the sensor is accomplished by adjusting four parameters of the signal processing path to adjust for the temperature variations of the sensor. These four parameters of the signal processing path include 1) offset (Offset), 2) offset temperature coefficient (OTC), 3) gain (Gain), and 4) gain temperature coefficient (GTC) of the signal path. These values may be provided from the illustrated registers 550, and may be set during calibration through the use of a serial communication interface 560. A Proportional To Absolute Temperature (PTAT) circuit 541 generates an analog representation of the absolute temperature of the circuit. The analog representation of temperature is then converted into a digital temperature representation (Tcode in the case of FIG. 5) using Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) 542.
The signal processing path can be described by the following Equation 1:Vout=(Vin+Offset+OTC*Temp)*(Gain*[Kg+GTC*Temp])   (1)where                Vout is the output of the signal path;        Vin is the output of the sensor coming into the signal path;        Offset is the offset at a reference temperature;        Gain is the gain at a reference temperature;        Temp is the difference between the actual temperature and the reference temperature and is a function of Tcode;        OTC is the offset temperature coefficient;        GTC is the gain temperature coefficient; and        Kg is the gain of the amplifier.
During calibration, the (OTC*Temp) term and the (GTC*Temp) term confound the Offset and Gain terms. For some forms of conventional calibration, the Offset and Gain terms are set at one value of Temp. Then the OTC and GTC terms are set at another value of Temp, thereby causing the Offset and Gain terms to lose calibration at the first value of Temp. To get accuracy, the calibration would involve cycling between the two temperatures, fine tuning the calibration iteratively to get the calibration accurate across both temperatures. This involves actually exposing the circuit iteratively to different temperatures, which can require significant calibration time and expense.

Sensor calibration using selectively disconnected temperature


This invention relates to a new antibiotic designated P175-A, to production of fermentation of Micromonospora echinospora NRRL 30633, to methods for recovery and concentration from the crude solutions, and to a process for purification and to semisynthetic esters and ethers of P175-A.

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a serious public health problem. In hospitals, vancomycin-resistant isolates are becoming more common. A recent survey found 7.9% of Enterococci in United States hospitals are now vancomycin-resistant. "Nosocomial Enterococci Resistant to Vancomycin" Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 42(30):597–598(1993). Further resistance of Vancomycin and other antibiotics to Enterococcus faecium is reported, Handwergers. et al., Clin. Infect. Dis. 1993(16),750–755. Resistance organisms are also a problem for other important antibiotics which includes piperacillin. Clearly, antibiotic resistance is a growing public health problem and having new antibiotics available could provide additional options for physicians in treatment regimens.
The medical community recognizes that there is an ongoing need for additional antibiotics. The search for new antibiotics which exhibit antibacterial activity against vancomycin-resistant isolates and having structures which are not derivatives of vancomycin are particularly appealing.
Bravomicins, as antibacterial agents are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,543
The above disclosed bravomicins are distinct from the antibacterial agents disclosed in the present invention.

Antibiotic P175-A and semisynthetic derivatives thereof


A touchscreen includes a touch drive electrode, a touch sensing electrode, a touch drive circuit, a gate drive circuit, a touch drive electrode lead, and a liquid crystal panel. The touch drive electrode extends along a first direction. The touch drive circuit is disposed in a non-display area of the touchscreen, and an extension direction of the touch drive circuit is parallel to an extension direction of the touch drive electrode. The extension direction of the touch drive circuit is the same as the extension direction of the touch drive electrode. Each touch drive electrode is connected to the touch drive circuit using a touch drive electrode lead. The touch drive electrode lead is disposed in an area in which a gate drive circuit is located. The touch drive electrode lead and the gate drive circuit are disposed in an overlapping manner and are isolated from each other.

With development of touchscreen technologies, a capacitive touchscreen is widely applied to an intelligent electronic device. An embedded capacitive touchscreen is a touchscreen obtained when a touch layer is disposed on a display panel.
The capacitive touchscreen works through current induction of a human body. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a principle of a conventional embedded capacitive touchscreen. The embedded capacitive touchscreen includes a touch drive electrode 101 and a touch sensing electrode 102 that are isolated from each other. Capacitance Ctp is formed between two electrodes. When a conductor (for example, a hand) touches the capacitive touchscreen, the capacitance changes, and a touch detection apparatus identifies a touch position based on the change of the capacitance.
As shown in FIG. 1, the touch drive electrode 101 extends along a first direction (the first direction shown in FIG. 1 is horizontal), and a touch drive circuit 103 is disposed on two sides of the touch drive electrode. To be specific, the touch drive circuit is perpendicular to the touch drive electrode 101, and is parallel to a gate drive circuit 104. Both the touch drive circuit 103 and the gate drive circuit 104 have a specific width, and a width range belongs to a non-display area of the touchscreen. Consequently, a width of the non-display area of the capacitive touchscreen is relatively wide.

Touchscreen and terminal device with touchscreen


A channel in a multiple carrier communication system is equalized by computing a target spectral response, shortening the impulse response of the channel so that a significant part of an energy of the impulse response is confined to a region that is shorter than a target length and filtering the signal based on the target spectral response.

The invention relates to time-domain equalization in a discrete multi-tone (DMT) receiver.
Conventional single carrier modulation techniques translate data bits for transmission through a communication channel by varying the amplitude and/or phase of a single sinusoidal carrier. By contrast, DMT, which is also referred to as Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) or Multicarrier Modulation (MCM), employs a large number of sinusoidal subcarriers, e.g., 128 or 256 subcarriers. The available bandwidth of the communication channel is divided into subchannels and each subchannel communicates a part of the data. A DMT system may employ quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) for each of the subcarriers.
OFDM-based systems transmit blocks of information bits. The time required to transmit one such block is called the symbol period. The time domain waveform that corresponds to one such block of bits is called a symbol.
Intersymbol interference (ISI) arises from the characteristics of practical communication channels and limits the rate at which information can be transmitted through them. Specifically, communication channels typically have an Effective Discrete-Time Impulse Response (EDIR) that is greater than one sample time in length, which causes ISI. ISI is a well-known phenomenon in single-carrier communication systems and there are many techniques for reducing it. The process of such ISI reduction is called equalization. ISI is discussed, for example, in Proakis, Digital Communications, McGraw Hill, 2nd Edition, 1989.
Equalization in OFDM-based Systems is achieved by a two stage process. First, at the transmitter, an end-portion of each symbol is affixed to the beginning of the symbol to form what is called a Cyclic Prefix (CP). A cyclic prefix that is greater than the EDIR of the channel prevents one symbol from interfering with another. Furthermore, it also facilitates a simple method of neutralizing the time-domain spread of each symbol forced by the channel. This is achieved by the use of a simple frequency domain process in the receiver which requires one multiplication operation for each used subcarrier of the OFDM system.
The use of a Cyclic Prefix to reduce ISI is discussed, for example, in: Cimini, "Analysis and Simulation of a Digital Mobile Channel using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing," IEEE Transactions on communications, pp 665-675 July 1985; Chow, "A Discrete Multi-Tone Transceiver System for HDSL applications," IEEE Journal on Selected Areas of Communications, 9(6):895-908, August 1991; "DMT Group VDSL PMD Draft Standard Proposal," Technical Report, T1E1.4/96-329R2, ANSI 1997.
Another problem arising in conventional DMT systems is noise bleeding, which is the phenomenon of noise in one frequency band interfering with a signal whose subcarrier is in another frequency band. Noise bleeding is caused, in general, by the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) operation at the receiver. Noise bleeding is discussed in, for example, Worthen et. al., "Simulation of VDSL Test Loops," Technical Report T1E1.4/97-288, ANSI 1997.
In a perfectly synchronized DMT system, the signal in one frequency band does not interfere with a signal whose subcarrier is in another frequency band. However, noise from one band may interfere with other less noisy bands and render them unusable. Techniques for dealing with noise-bleeding include wavelet-based solutions. However, wavelet-based solutions are, in general, computationally intensive.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Spectrally constrained impulse shortening filter for a discrete multi-tone receiver


A fastener assembly including an elongate annular drive pin having a head on one end and being tapered substantially to a point on an opposite end and a clip member having first and second opposite sides, the first side capable of engaging a desired surface into which the drive pin is driven and the second opposite side including a tubular chimney portion extending therefrom a predetermined distance and formed as a continuous substantially annular member having a central bore extending through the chimney portion and the clip member, the bore having a non-annular cross-sectional configuration on at least a longitudinal portion thereof to provide discontinuous contact about the annular periphery of the drive pin enabling the drive pin to be press fitted within the longitudinal portion of the bore to releasably retain the drive pin to the clip member prior to use and further enabling the chimney portion to positively guide and align the drive pin as it is driven while simultaneously providing controlled outward curling of a distal end of the chimney portion upon driving the drive pin through the bore.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a fastener assembly for use with a power actuated tool which preferably is driven by an explosive charge. The assembly includes a drive pin and a clip member for attaching other articles thereto where the clip provides positive alignment and location of the drive pin with respect to a surface into which the drive pin is driven and provides controlled deformation of the clip during fastening that prevents the clip from failing or being separated from the drive pin when a load is applied to the assembly.
2. Description of the Related Art
Power actuated tools typically drive a fastener into a relatively solid surface, such as structural steel, concrete and the like, by means of some type of explosive powder charge. The fasteners frequently are utilized with various forms of clips from which other articles can be suspended, such as pipes, conduits, ceiling panels or the like.
Such fasteners typically are inserted through an aperture in the clip and are driven into the desired surface by the explosive force provided by the powder charge. During such fastening, the clip frequently is deformed by the fastener which detracts from the strength of the clip causing its premature failure, usually with the fastener remaining attached to the surface.
To restrict clip deformation, the clip can be reinforced about the aperture through which the fastener is driven. An example of such a fastener is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 2,961,210 which discloses a fastening assembly including a clip and an annular fastener where the fastener is initially press fitted within an annular hole formed in an annular boss of the clip. As the fastener is driven through the boss, the boss is compressed by the head of the fastener to approximately half its original height and is jammed about the shank of the fastener in an uncontrolled manner. If desired, the side wall of the boss can include slots positioned at selected areas about its periphery to provide one or more pairs of opposing, resilient attaching fingers.
Such a fastener, however, relies on the fastener head and resilience of the material forming the boss to randomly compress the boss without any substantial outward bending or curling of the boss. This type of pure compression causes uncontrolled stress within the clip as well as uncontrolled and unpredictable compression of the boss, either of which can prevent proper fastening and cause failure of the clip when it is subjected to a load. If the boss includes attaching fingers they significantly reduce the ability of the boss to positively guide the fastener in a straight line. If the fastener is tilted or skewed with respect to the surface into which it is being driven it tends to glance off the surface providing a potentially dangerous condition to a user.
It therefore would be desirable to provide a fastener assembly, preferably for use with a power actuated tool, where a drive pin of the fastener is driven through and deforms a clip in a controlled predictable and reproducible manner where the clip provides positive alignment of the drive pin while it is being driven and prevents undesired stress within the clip which could lead to failure and separation of the clip from the drive pin when subjected to a load.

Fastener assembly for a power actuated tool


An improved empirical model-based surveillance or control system for monitoring or controlling a process or machine provides adaptation of the empirical model in response to new operational states that are deemed normal or non-exceptional for the process or machine. An adaptation decision module differentiates process or sensor upset requiring alerts from new operational states not yet modeled. A retraining module updates the empirical model to incorporate the new states, and a pruning technique optionally maintains the empirical model by removing older states in favor of the added new states recognized by the model.

A variety of new and advanced techniques have emerged in industrial process control, machine control, system surveillance, and condition based monitoring to address drawbacks of traditional sensor-threshold-based control and alarms. The traditional techniques did little more than provide responses to gross changes in individual metrics of a process or machine, often failing to provide adequate warning to prevent unexpected shutdowns, equipment damage, loss of product quality or catastrophic safety hazards.
According to one branch of the new techniques, empirical models of the monitored process or machine are used in failure detection and control. Such models effectively leverage an aggregate view of surveillance sensor data to achieve much earlier incipient failure detection and finer process control. By modeling the many sensors on a process or machine simultaneously and in view of one another, the surveillance system can provide more information about how each sensor (and its measured parameter) ought to be behaving. An example of such an empirical surveillance system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,509 to Gross et al., the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. Therein is described an empirical model using a similarity operator against a reference library of known states of the monitored process, and an estimation engine for generating estimates of current process states based on the similarity operation, coupled with a sensitive statistical hypothesis test to determine if the current process state is a normal or abnormal state. Other empirical model-based monitoring systems known in the art employ neural networks to model the process or machine being monitored.
Such empirical model-based monitoring systems require as part of installation and implementation some baseline data characterizing the normal operation of the process or machine under surveillance. The empirical model embodies this baseline normal operational data, and is only as good as the data represents normal operation. A big challenge to the success of the empirical model in the monitoring system, therefore, is to provide sufficiently representative data when building the empirical model. In practice, this is possibly the greatest hurdle for successful implementation of empirical model-based surveillance systems.
A first problem is whether to use data from merely a like process or the identical process with the one being monitored. This is especially significant when monitoring a commodity machine, that is, a machine that will be mass-produced with on-board condition monitoring. Under such circumstances, it may not be possible or practical to gather normal operational data from each machine to build unique empirical models beforehand. What is needed is a way of building a general model into the newly minted machines, and allowing the model to adapt to the unique tolerances and behavior of each particular machine in the field.
A second problem presents itself as the monitored process or machine settles with age, drifting from the original normal baseline, but still being in good operational condition. It is extremely difficult to capture such eventually normal operational data from a process or machine for which that would currently not constitute normal operation. What is then needed is a way for the empirical model to adapt to acceptable changes in the normal operation of the process or machine with age, without sacrificing the monitoring sensitivity that necessitated the empirical model approach in the first place.
A third problem exists where it is not possible to capture the full normal operational range of sensor data from the process due to the financial or productive value of not disrupting the process. For example, in retrofitting an existing industrial process with empirical model-based monitoring, it may not be economically feasible to effectively take the process off-line and run it through its many operational modes. And it may be months or years before all the operational modes are employed. Therefore, what is needed is a way to adapt the empirical model as the operational modes of the process or machine are encountered for the first time.
In summary, in order for an empirical model based process surveillance system to function reliably, the data used to generate the model should span the full process operating range. In many cases that data are not available initially. Therefore, model adaptation is needed to keep the model up-to-date and valid. But adaptation imposes significant hurdles of its own. One such hurdle is determining exactly when to start adapting the model, especially for dynamic non-linear processes. While in some cases human intervention can be relied upon to manually indicate when to adapt, in the vast majority of circumstances it is desirable to automate this determination. Another such hurdle is determining when to stop adapting the model and reinitiate process or machine surveillance. Yet another problem is to distinguish the need for adaptation from a process upset or a sensor failure that should be properly alarmed on. It is highly desirable to avoid "bootstrapping" on a slow drift fault in the process, for example. Yet another problem is to avoid adapting during a period of transition between one stable state and another, during which sensor data may not be typically representative of either any old state or a new state of normal operation of the process or machine. Yet another problem in adapting the empirical model is that the model may grow and become less accurate or less specific due to the addition of new states. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have a way of removing least commonly encountered states from the model while adding the newly adapted states.

Adaptive modeling of changed states in predictive condition monitoring


A display device including a camera is used by inserting it in the direction of a user's gaze. Alternatively, an image of the same area as that of a scene from a windshield of an automobile may be obtained and the image may be displayed by using an information providing apparatus installed in the automobile. A system provides information to the user by adding a two-dimensional or three-dimensional computer graphics object to an image taken by the camera. The information is directly added to a scene in the direction of the user's gaze and is displayed to the user. Thus the user can easily understand the relationship between the information and the position to which the information is added.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, an information providing method, a storage medium, and a computer program for providing information associated with a real image taken by a camera or the like. In particular, the present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, an information providing method, a storage medium, and a computer program for providing a real image taken by a camera by associating the real image with position information obtained by using a global positioning system (GPS) or the like.
More specifically, the present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, an information providing method, a storage medium, and a computer program for providing a real image taken by a camera together with predetermined information. In particular, the present invention relates to an information providing apparatus, information providing method, a storage medium, and a computer program, in which information relating position information is added to a real image taken by a camera so as to provide image information in which the relationship between the recording location and added information can be easily understood.
2. Description of the Related Art
A global positioning system (GPS) has been developed in order to calculate the current position on the earth. In this system, the current position is calculated by receiving radio waves transmitted from three or more low-earth-orbit satellites orbiting around the earth. Generally, radio waves from about four to twelve satellites can be constantly received on the ground. The current position can be detected by calculating the phases of the radio waves. A measurement error at each time is 300 to 100 m.
GPSs were originally designed in order to detect the position of a vehicle, ship, aircraft, and so on for military use. However, the technology was put to civilian use so that GPSs have been widely used recently. Also, various services, in which a position measuring service using a GPS or the like is combined with other information processing services or information providing services, have been designed.
For example, vehicle-mounted navigation systems, which display road information in real time by combining a position measured by a GPS or the like and map information, have become widespread. In this type of navigation system, the position of a running vehicle is detected by using a GPS or the like and a road map of the corresponding area is read from map data so that the position of the vehicle is superposed on the road map in a display device such as a liquid crystal display.
Further, navigation systems, which not only display a road map together with the position of a vehicle but also call attention to a driver and display high-value images by using computing ability of a computer, are being developed.
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-7989 discloses a forward image display device for displaying three-dimensional image including roads by using a three-dimensional computer graphics technique so as to display information to which a driver must pay attention, such as there is a curve, a road becomes narrower, or there is a slope, such that the driver can easily understand the information.
GPSs are used by combining them with various information apparatuses other than vehicles. For example, by combining a GPS with a video information recording device such as a video camera, a video recording position can be noticed or an obtained image can be managed.
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-205725, which has been assigned to the applicant of the present application, discloses a video information recording/reproducing apparatus for performing recording/reproducing by associating a recording position with the video information recorded position. In this video information recording/reproducing apparatus, position information can be used for managing video. That is, by simultaneously displaying a recorded video and a map indicating the recording position, the position where the video is recorded can be displayed when reproducing is performed. Also, by specifying the recording position on the map, the video recorded at the specified position can be easily obtained.
News distribution to mobile phones is an example of an information providing service using position information. In this service, a receiving station of mobile phones is identified and information is distributed as news.
However, much of information distributed in an information providing service performed currently is not linked to information of the environment around a user. Thus, it is difficult to determine the position from which information is provided.
Also, in a navigation system using map information, image information displayed in an information providing apparatus is provided such that the image information is placed on a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map. However, the information is quite different from a scene which the user is actually seeing. Thus, it is difficult for the user to immediately find a desired information object from among the presented image information.
Further, even if a very realistic virtual space can be realized so that information can be provided by an information providing apparatus, it is difficult to understand the relationship between the provided information and buildings in a real image, because the direction of the display of the information providing apparatus is different from the direction of the user's gaze.
In order to realize a very realistic virtual space, a lot of texture and accurate modeling are required. Furthermore, if the virtual space is not updated frequently, the difference between the virtual space and a scene which is actually seen becomes big.

Information providing apparatus, information providing method, storage medium, and computer program


A device for attaching an experiment carrier to a space station handrail is provided. The device has two major components, a clamping mechanism for attachment to a space station handrail, and a pointing carrier on which an experiment package can be mounted and oriented. The handrail clamp uses an overcenter mechanism and the carrier mechanism uses an adjustable preload ball and socket for carrier positioning. The handrail clamp uses a stack of disk springs to provide a spring loaded button. This configuration provides consistent clamping force over a range of possible handrail thicknesses. Three load points are incorporated in the clamping mechanism thereby spreading the clamping load onto three separate points on the handrail. A four bar linkage is used to provide for a single actuation lever for all three load points. For additional safety, a secondary lock consisting of a capture plate and push lock keeps the clamp attached to the handrail in the event of main clamp failure. For the carrier positioning mechanism, a ball in a spring loaded socket uses friction to provide locking torque; however, the ball and socket are torque limited so that the ball can slip under kick loads (125 pounds or greater). A lead screw attached to disk spring stacks is used to provide an adjustable spring force on the socket. A locking knob is attached to the lead screw to allow for hand manipulation of the lead screw.

The invention relates to space station clamping and pointing devices. In particular, a device for attaching to a space station handrail and providing precision positioning of a attached payload under orbital conditions is provided.
In order to elevate the chances of success for the International Space Station Alpha program, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration began an effort to study environmental risks at space station handrail altitudes. Four experiments were proposed, each of which would have to be mounted to the existing Russian MIR space station handrail without modification to the Russian manufactured docking module. In two of the cases, ram/wake viewing of the experiment was required which required MIR flight orientation data. However, analysis of this data would not be complete before the deployment of the experiments.
In light of these requirements, NASA undertook the development of a clamp for attaching and positioning a common carrier in which each of the experiments could be mounted. The attachment end of the clamp was required to exert a force of 1000 newtons on a space station handrail; however, the exact dimensions of the space station handrail were unknown--thus, it was necessary that the clamp be able to provide a consistent 1000 newton force over the entire range of possible space station handrail thicknesses. Additionally, the space station handrail clamp should be able to exert pressure at several points, both to increase the stability of the clamp and to prevent a concentrated, and perhaps deforming, load from being applied at one point on the space station handrail. Finally, since the clamp would be deployed during free-floating extravehicular activities (EVAs), it was important that the clamp mechanisms be large enough to facilitate operation by an astronaut wearing a complete spacesuit, that the mechanism itself have no sharp corners or edges, and that the device require no more than a 120 newton force exerted through one hand during installation.
The pointer end of the device also had strict requirements to achieve the precision positioning required for the experiments. First, the pointer had to provide sufficient strength to hold the position of the attached device in accelerations of up to 0.5 g (4.9 m/s.sup.2). However, to prevent accidental deformation of the space station handrail to which the device was attached, the payload had to be able to slip in position when a kick load of 125 pounds or greater was applied. Finally, the pointer also had to meet the same requirements as the space station handrail attachment in terms of installation by an astronaut during EVA.
Finally, all components of the device had to be suitable for spaceflight; specifically, they had to retain operability at extreme low temperatures, be constructed of materials which would not outgas, operate without lubrication, and use dissimilar materials at points of contact to prevent cold welds from occurring.
No prior art attachment and positioning devices met the stringent requirements necessary for the MIR space station handrail deployment.

Combination space station handrail clamp and pointing device

The United Stated of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration


A digital camera having a limiting-use component to limit use of the digital camera to a single use-cycle.

In a film-based one-time use camera (OTUC) the lens projects the image on a light sensitive film or directly on paper, such as Polaroid's OTUC, and the image remains analog. A film-based OTUC cannot manipulate the captured image. In order to receive a print from a film-based OTUC some physical unit/material has to come out of the camera (light sensitive film or paper) and in many cases break the camera shell in the process. The film-based OTUC relies on a mechanical apparatus (manually powered by the user's hand) to prepare the camera for the next shot (picture taking). The film-based OTUC are typically easy to use, low cost, and recyclable. However, The film-based OTUC differ from digital photography in several ways such as lack high quality images, all-digital processing rather than chemical processing, and the digital format of the information which allows immediate previewing of photos, sharing photos through e-mail, etc.
The design of the multi-use digital cameras allows the consumer to take as many pictures as desired. The camera may be limited in capacity but the consumer can either extend the capacity (add more memory if the camera supports removable memory or external storage device like a floppy drive or mini-CD) or upload the pictures from the camera to a PC or any other type of external storage device (e.g. portable zip drive) and erase them from the camera. Multi-use digital cameras are designed to provide the consumer with digital photography experience. They allow the consumers to preview the taken pictures, browse through stored pictures, add information on the picture (i.e. date etc.), set resolution and image quality for better use of capacity and other digital capabilities that define the digital photography experience. The multi-use digital camera posses a large amount of internal processing power. In a multi-use digital camera the Central Processing Unit (ASIC and/or micro controller) should be able to provide the consumer with the set of features as part of the digital photography experience. The communication port in a multi-use camera (serial, parallel, USB or any other type of communication) is designed for maximum compatibility with other devices or computers. The easier it is to connect to another device the better it is.


A multi-purpose fireplace for outdoor use having a firebox, a baking chamber and at least one grill above the baking chamber. The baking chamber is delimited by a metal wall with a door which is accessible from the outside of the fireplace. The baking chamber is fixed in an outer housing which receives the firebox. The baking chamber is preferably also delimited by a cylindrical metal barrel which is mounted with respect to the sidewalls such that an open flue conduit is formed between the metal barrel and the outer housing.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a multi-purpose fireplace, for outdoor use, having a firebox, a baking chamber and above the backing chamber at least one grill.
2. Description of Prior Art
A conventional multi-purpose fireplace for outdoor use is known from German Patent Disclosure DE-A1-3,618,651. This known multi-purpose fireplace is portable. The housing rests on support legs. The support legs are unsuitable for placing the multi-purpose fireplace on soft ground. A baking chamber, sheathed with fire-proof and heat-insulating material, in particular with firebrick, is positioned in the lower part of the housing. The baking chamber is simultaneously used as the hearth, at least for the baking chamber. Positioned above the baking chamber is a chimney, made of metal walls extending in the shape of a truncated pyramid, the interior of which is intended to receive a conventional grill, and a smoke chamber with an air exhaust. There is a closable opening between the baking chamber and the chimney and the closable opening connects the smoke chamber with the hearth positioned inside the baking chamber. For grilling, it is necessary to provide a fire grill with burning coals above the ceiling of the baking chamber. The hearth in the baking chamber is not sufficient for grilling. Two hearths are required with this multi-purpose fireplace in order to satisfy the conditions set by the different purposes of the fireplace. Prior to baking, the glowing coals must be removed from the baking chamber, which is a dangerous and unpleasant task. The baking chamber of this multi-purpose fireplace requires 1.5 to 2 hours to attain baking temperature. Prior to a repeat of the baking operation, the baking chamber must again be filled with fuel and heated. Furthermore, expensive hardwood, such as beechwood, is used for heating the baking chamber. During the warm-up time and during baking this multi-purpose fireplace cannot provide warmth for a possible seat. Also, the multi-purpose fireplace is comparatively expensive. Simultaneous baking and smoking is not provided. Continuous baking operation is not possible. Furthermore, two comparatively expensive fuels, such as hardwood and charcoal, must be used.


A stereoscopic image display device (hereinafter, referred to as a “3D device”) and polarizing glasses are provided. According to the 3D device and polarizing glasses, a three-dimensional image having excellent crosstalk ratio and color characteristics can be observed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a stereoscopic image display device and polarizing glasses.
2. Discussion of Related Art
A stereoscopic image display device is a display device capable of transferring three-dimensional information to an observer.
Methods for displaying stereoscopic images may include, for example, methods that use glasses and methods that don't use glasses. Also, the methods using glasses may be classified into methods using polarizing glasses and methods using LC shutter glasses, and the methods that don't use glasses may be classified into stereoscopic/multi-view point binocular disparity methods, volumetric methods, holographic methods, and the like.


An apparatus and method for predicting attractive magnetic levitation force comprising measuring flux density for a component of an attractive magnetic levitation system and computing a predicted attractive magnetic levitation force from the flux density.

1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)
The present invention relates to force control for attractive magnetic levitation, particularly for trains.
2. Background Art
The primary parameter that must be controlled in attractive magnetic levitation is lift force. Lift force can be measured with strain gauges, but these devices are extremely sensitive to the thermal environment. Force can be predicted as a function of gap, lateral displacement, and current, but the prediction is very sensitive to measurement errors in gap and current. Better, more robust force prediction is needed, which is provided by the present invention.


The splice verification system of the present invention verifies the efficiency of an optical splice by measuring the scattered light escaping from the splice. Specifically, the preferred embodiment performs such scattered light measurement within a photodetection area which is substantially free of all ambient light. Furthermore, the verification system includes a reference power module which, prior to creating an optical splice, measures the level of the optical signal being transmitted out of the end of an active fiber. The present invention then provides means to correlate the level gauged as a reference signal level relative to the amount of scattered light lost from the optical splice. The ratio of these two measured light levels may then be used to determine whether the amount of scattered light lost from the optical splice is acceptable given the particular constraints of the optical system in which the splice is employed.

Optical fiber connectors and splicing devices are an important part of substantially any optical fiber communication system. For instance, connectors or splicing devices may be used to join segments of fiber into longer lengths or to connect fiber to active devices such as radiation sources, detectors, or repeaters, or to passive devices such as switches or attenuators. Considering that a core of multimode optical fiber is 50 microns in diameter and that of single mode fiber is only 8 microns, achieving a proper connection or splice is no small task. Due to the precision required to adequately join two optical fibers and the importance of such splices not introducing an unacceptable amount of loss into the communication system, verification of a proper connection would be beneficial.
A multimode fiber splicing technique presently exists which uses precision glass plugs to terminate fibers and a plastic ferrule to align and retain the plugs. A completed splice assembly of this technique assures its mechanical integrity by means of axial loading applied with coiled springs at the plug ends. In addition, the splice assembly is index matched with a curable gel. More specific details of such a splice are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,291 issued in the names of J. A. Aberson, G. F. DeVeau and K. M. Yasinski.
In the above-described connector or splice, a loss minima may be obtained by rotating plugs relative to each other. Some of the factors affecting the particular loss minima include 1) eccentricities caused by the position of the fiber core within the cladding; 2) the position of the fiber within the plug bore, and 3) the position of the bore relative to the plug outer diameter.
Two methods presently used to monitor splice loss during plug rotation are end-to-end transmission measurements and Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) measurements. Using end-to-end transmission measurements to obtain a minimum splice loss requires that a source (light-emitting diode or laser) be used to energize the fiber to be spliced and that a suitable detector and power-measuring apparatus be located at the far end of the fiber to be spliced. For field splicing this would usually require a source in the central office and the detector (typically a power meter) at the splice point adjacent to the splice being made. Basic shortcomings with this method of splice optimization are the necessity of opening the adjacent manhole with two splicing teams required, the inability to accurately measure splice loss due to the fiber losses included in the measurement, and difficulties involving feeding back the transmitted power level to the splicer.
The OTDR method of splice alignment requires connection to the fiber to be spliced and a talk circuit between the OTDR and splicing crew. As the splice is aligned, the splice loss from the OTDR is reported to the splicer. This procedure of measuring and adjusting is repeated until the splice is optimized. Splice loss measured with unidirectional OTDR measurements is inaccurate due to fiber parameter differences. Accurate OTDR splice loss measurements require measurements from both directions and averaging. An additional disadvantage of OTDR is the associated low sampling rate. Yet another disadvantage of the OTDR is its range. With state-of-the-art equipment, only a relatively limited range may be allowed before the OTDR must be moved closer to the splice point.
In light of the above-identified problems with the present splice verifying technology, what is needed and what is seemingly not provided by the prior art is a dependable system capable of providing splice optimization and loss measurement at the splice point. The sought-after system should be usable to adjust or "tune" an optical fiber splice for minimum loss and continually indicate the amount of loss in decibels.

Optical fiber splice verification system


A method by which ceramic nanowires with diameters ranging from several to several tens of nanometers can be synthesized with improvements in the shape retention of the nanowires and the yield of conversion to ceramic, which method comprises the steps of forming a thin film of a silicon-containing polymer usable as a ceramic precursor, irradiating the thin film with ion beams to form cylindrical crosslinked portions, extracting the un-crosslinked portions with a solvent to produce nanowires of the silicon-containing polymer, irradiating the nanowires with an ionizing radiation so that they are crosslinked again, and firing the re-crosslinked nanowires.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to ceramic nanowires with diameters ranging from several to several tens of nanometers and a process for producing such ceramic nanowires.
2. Prior Art
Silicon carbide fibers undergo only small changes in tensile strength and elastic modulus even if they are heated at 1500° C. They are also much better than carbon fibers in oxidation resistance and in addition they are extremely low in reactivity with metals. Hence, silicon carbide fibers are drawing attention as heat- and corrosion-resistant materials, a typical example of which is a reinforcing material to be used in metal-based composites. Such silicon carbide fibers are synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or pyrolysis of silicon-containing polymers (the latter being called the "precursor method").
The CVD process consists of causing a core wire of carbon or tungsten to react with a feed gas of SiC at high temperature so that the latter is deposited on the wire's surface. Silicon carbide fibers produced by this method have high purity and excel in mechanical characteristics and the like; however, their diameter is very thick, on the order of 100 μm, so difficulty has been involved in working them in such a way that they are suitable for use as a reinforcing material in composites.
Being developed by Yajima et al. in 1975, the precursor method is now an industrial process in which the silicon-containing polymer polycarbosilane (PCS) as the starting material is melt spun, then cured and fired. The intermediate step is important in that the molecules in the melt spun polymer fibers are crosslinked with themselves so that they can be converted to ceramic while retaining the fiber's shape. Two commercialized processes of the precursor method are thermal oxidation in which the silicon-containing polymer is heated in an oxidizing atmosphere so that it is crosslinked via oxygen atoms, and EB irradiation in which the silicon-containing polymer is directly crosslinked by irradiation of electron beams. By means of these techniques, various silicon carbide fibers are already commercially available and they include NICALON® and HI-NICALON®.
The fibers produced by the precursor method are in filamentous form having diameters of 10-15 μm. Active efforts are being made today to develop small shaped ceramics for use in micromachines, as well as nanodevices that take advantage of the heat- and corrosion-resistant properties of SiC. In order that the fibers produced by the precursor method are applied as reinforcing fibers in those small shaped ceramics or nanodevices materials, even finer ceramic fibers are needed. Conventional techniques for synthesizing such ultrafine fibers include a focused ion beam (FIB) method that employs a focused ion beam to perform micro-cutting, and a trimming method that depends on photolithography. However, nanowires, or fibers with diameters on the order of nanometers cannot be formed by those methods. Other synthesis methods known in the art include a process in which fine particles of a silicon-containing polymer are dispersed in a thermally degradable polymer, drawn, and fired into ceramic, and a process in which a carbon nanotube is converted into ceramic. However, it is difficult to control the fiber length and thickness to desired values by those processes.
A study of the present inventors has led to a technique of synthesizing nanowires from silicon-containing polymers by means of ion beams (see Formation of Nanowires along Ion Trajectories in Si Backbone Polymers, S. Seki, K. Maeda, S. Tagawa, H. Kudoh, M. Sugimoto, Y. Morita, and H. Shibata, Adv. Mater. 13(2001), 1663-1665). The principle of the technique is shown in FIG. 1. When a thin film formed of the silicon-containing polymer polysilane is irradiated with an ion beam, sufficient energy is deposited on the silicon-containing polymer (e.g. polysilane) along the trajectories of the individual ions penetrating the thin film, whereupon the molecular chains near the trajectories are first cleaved, then recombined (crosslinked). The points of recombination (crosslinking points) are distributed along the trajectory of the ion beam and their density decreases with the radial distance from the center of trajectory. As shown in FIG. 1, this causes a cylindrical crosslinked portion to form in the thin film of the silicon-containing polymer along the ion beam trajectory. By subsequent washing in a solvent that is capable of dissolving the silicon-containing polymer, all part of the polymer film except the cylindrical crosslinked portion is dissolved away by the action of the solvent, thus producing a cylindrical crosslinked nanowire. Taking advantage of this nature, the present inventors set out to study a new method for producing ceramic nanowires.

Ceramic nanowires and a process for producing them by ion beam irradiation


The present invention relates to [1] an aqueous composition for ink-jet printing containing a carbodiimide compound, a vinyl polymer and water, in which the vinyl polymer is dispersed in the aqueous composition in the form of polymer particles formed by partially neutralizing carboxy groups of the vinyl polymer with a basic compound having a boiling point of not higher than 130° C.; [2] an ink set for ink-jet printing containing an aqueous composition a containing a carbodiimide compound and water, and an aqueous composition b containing a vinyl polymer; and [3] an ink-jet printing method including the step 1 of ejecting a carbodiimide compound, a pigment, a vinyl polymer and water by an ink-jetting method to print characters or images, and the step 2 of subjecting the resulting printed characters or images to heat treatment at a temperature of 50 to 200° C. According to the aqueous composition of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a printed material that is excellent in rub fatness.

From the viewpoint of improving water resistance and weathering resistance of a printed material, there has been proposed an ink using not a dye but a pigment as a colorant. However, when printing characters or images on a low-ink absorbing printing medium such as a coated paper or a resin film, etc., using such a pigment ink, pigment particles tend to remain on a surface of the printing medium after the printing. For this reason, there tends to occur such a problem that when any stimulus is applied to a surface of the printed material, the pigment particles are likely to be peeled off from the printing medium. To solve the problem, ultraviolet-curable inks (UV inks) have been proposed.
In ordinary UV inks, a pigment is dispersed in a monomer, and after printing characters or images using the inks, the monomer component contained in the inks is polymerized by irradiation of ultraviolet rays thereto, whereby it is possible to obtain a printed material having high image fastness. However, the UV inks have posed various problems such as poor working environments owing to peculiar odor of the monomer used or less safety owing to migration of the monomer or a polymerization initiator exuded from the printed material.
In consequence, in order to improve image fastness of the printed material obtained using a water-based pigment ink having high safety, there has been developed a water-based pigment ink containing a carbodiimide, or an aqueous composition such as a coating solution, etc., which can be used in combination with the ink.
For example, JP 2007-514809A (Patent Literature 1) aims at enhancing durability of images printed on a plain paper or a fabric or cloth, and discloses an ink-jet ink including a vehicle and a carbodiimide groups-containing component dispersed and/or dissolved in the vehicle, in which the ink contains an aqueous vehicle as the vehicle and a colorant dispersed in the aqueous vehicle with a polymer dispersant. In Examples of the Patent Literature 1, it is also described that a block copolymer constituted of methacrylic acid/benzyl methacrylate/ethyl triethylene glycol methacrylate as the polymer dispersant is neutralized with potassium hydroxide, and phenoxyethyl acrylate-g-ethoxy-triethylene glycol methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid is neutralized with N,N-dimethyl ethanolamine.
JP 2016-505651A (Patent Literature 2) aims at prolonging a shelf life of a self-crosslinking pigment ink, and discloses a dispersion containing a pigment, a polymer containing a carboxyl group, a crosslinking agent capable of undergoing a crosslinking reaction with the carboxyl group, an inhibition agent containing a tertiary amine and a liquid carrier, and an ink containing the dispersion. In Table II in Examples of the Patent Literature 2, it is described that the formulation prepared by mixing "Joncryl (registered trademark) HPD96" whose counter ion is ammonia, polycarbodiimide and water was a clear solution at a starting time of storage thereof at 60° C., but after the elapse of 2 weeks from the starting time of storage, a reaction between the mixed constitutional components has occurred to thereby cause aggregation of particles.


Methods to connect to back-plate (BP) or well contacts or diode junctions through a RMG electrode in FDSOI technology based devices and the resulting devices are disclosed. Embodiments include providing a polysilicon dummy gate electrode between spacers and extending over a BP, an active area of a transistor, and a shallow-trench-isolation (STI) region therebetween; providing an interlayer dielectric surrounding the spacers and polysilicon dummy gate electrode; removing the polysilicon dummy gate electrode creating a cavity between the spacers; forming a high-k dielectric layer and a work-function (WF) metal layer in the cavity; removing a section of the WF metal layer, high-k dielectric layer, and STI region exposing an upper surface of the BP; filling the cavity with a metal forming a replacement metal gate electrode; and planarizing the metal down to an upper surface of the spacers.

Generally, an IC device may include a variety of components and elements such as transistors, diodes, contacts, capacitors, inductors, or the like, which may provide various functionalities in operation of an IC device. Some IC devices may be based on SOI technology where the components of the IC device are formed in a silicon (Si) layer above the insulator (e.g., buried-oxide (BOX)) layer, which may provide a good isolation from a Si substrate for the IC device. SOI based devices commonly include protection diodes (e.g., connecting to a gate of a transistor) and back-plate (BP) or transistor well contacts (e.g., for backside biasing for tuning threshold voltage of a component in the IC device). In some scenarios, n-type or p-type BPs and wells under SOI transistors may be formed by implantation of n-type or p-type dopant species selectively (e.g., by lithography/mask steps). Deep and/or shallow trench isolation regions may be formed to isolate adjacent well-to-well and/or BP-to-BP areas, respectively.
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example circuit in an IC device including a protection diode 101 connected to a metal gate line (or a polysilicon gate line) 103 of a transistor 105. The transistor on SOI substrate is separated from its BP 107 vertically by a BOX layer 109. The diode can provide protection against electrical charge (e.g., during fabrication processes or from the external environment of an IC device via its input/output elements) that may accumulate at the gate 111 of the transistor causing damage. However, for SOI technology, devices (e.g., transistors) are on the SOI layer and isolated from the Si substrate by the BOX layer. Standard P-N junction based diodes cannot serve as protection diodes as they are on the BOX layer and cannot release accumulated electrical charge to the Si substrate. Moreover, implementing the contacts to BP or well or formation of a diode in a well may require extra lithography steps as well as more complex processes (e.g., etching through the BOX layer, implants for forming diode junctions or contacts to the Si substrate), special contact formation schemes (e.g., through a trench silicide (TS)/active area contact (CA)/gate contact (CB)), and a large layout area for circuit implementation that may impact fabrication time, cost, and reliability of an IC device.
Therefore, a need exists for a methodology enabling efficient connection to substrate contacts or diode junctions in SOI based devices and resulting devices.

Connecting to back-plate contacts or diode junctions through a RMG electrode and resulting devices


A developing device for an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus and having a plurality of developing units each storing a two-component developer of particular color. In each developing unit, to bring the developer deposited on a developing sleeve to an inoperative position, the sleeve is rotated in a direction opposite to a direction for development. At this instant, the developer flowing in the opposite direction is introduced partly into a gap between the developing sleeve and a doctor and partly into a bypass formed between the doctor and the casing of the developing unit.

The present invention relates to a copier, facsimile, printer or similar electrophotographic image forming apparatus and, more particularly, to a developing device having a plurality of developing units arranged around a photoconductive element of a color image forming apparatus and each storing a two-component developer of particular color.
In a color image forming apparatus of the type described, developing units other than one in operation have to be brought out of contact with a photoconductive element, or image carrier, so as not to disturb a latent image and corresponding toner image formed on the drum. For this purpose, it has been customary to move the developing units other than operating one away from a developing position or to bring the magnet brush formed by a developer on each developing sleeve to an inoperative position. The problem with the former scheme is that an extra space for switching the developing units is needed to render the entire apparatus bulky. In addition, such a scheme is not practicable without complicating the switching mechanism and driving mechanism. The latter scheme does not require an extra space and is simple and useful in respect of mechanical arrangement. However, should the developer be not completely brought to the inoperative position, it would contact or adjoin the drum to disturb a latent image and corresponding toner image or deposit on the drum.

Developing device for a color image forming apparatus


The present disclosure is a dust mitigation system for a cold planer. The dust mitigation system may include the following components: a cutting drum; a conveyor system proximate to the cutting drum and adapted to collect cut paving material from the cutting drum and convey the cut paving material to a conveyor system exit; a fan proximate the conveyor system and directing dust from the cutting drum to the conveyor system; a conduit having a first end positioned in the cutting chamber and a second end proximate the fan; a water source; and a conveyor spray nozzle located between the fan and the conveyor system exit and adapted to communicate water from the water source on to the conveyor system such that the dust directed from the fan to the conveyor system is blown through the water.

In order to repair and resurface pavement such as on roads and in parking lots, the prior surface must often be removed. This is typically achieved by use of a heavy-duty milling machine known as a cold planer. A cold planer cuts the top layer of paving material with a rotating cutting drum having a plurality of radially extending cutting teeth arranged around the circumference of the cutting drum. The cutting drum rotates against the prior road surface and the cutting teeth dig into and tear apart the paved surface. The rotation of the drum also deposits the cut paving material onto a conveyor system which in turn conveys the cut paving material to a truck or similar haul vehicle for disposal.
During the above described milling process, airborne dust is produced as large and small pieces of cut material are forcefully created and tossed around by the cutting drum. This represents a potential issue with decreased air quality in the vicinity of the operator. Many cold planers have some form of dust mitigation, such as ventilation systems that create a vacuum to draw the dust away from the cutting drum and the operator. Many of these ventilation systems exhaust into the conveyor system. However, when dust is added to the conveyor system, it typically remains airborne dust. At the conveyor exit, depending on weather conditions, this airborne dust can be blown back towards the operator.
The prior art has failed to adequately address this issue. US Patent Application No. 2017/350080A1 to Hirman et al. discloses a cold planer ventilation system which utilizes a settling box and a fan to draw dust from the cutting drum and exhaust the dust into the conveyor system. However, further improvements may still be available.


An industrial truck with an electronic memory and/or a data transfer unit, an equipment for acquiring utilization data and a control unit, which is connected with the equipment for acquiring utilization data and the memory and/or the data transfer unit, characterized in that the control unit continuously generates an utilization protocol from the acquired utilization data and files it in the memory or transmits it to the data transfer unit.

The present invention is related to an industrial truck with an equipment for acquiring utilization data, more particular to an industrial truck in which the acquired utilization data are continuously filed in an utilization protocol.
When using industrial trucks, it is usual that customers not only buy the vehicles they need for their internal transportation duties from the manufacturer, but lease them only for a predetermined duration of utilization instead. Frequently, a so-called full service agreement is signed in addition, through which the manufacturer obligates himself to take over all the maintenance and repair works arising in the operation of the vehicles for a fixed monthly cost rate.
For the customer as well as for the manufacturer of the industrial trucks, the success of this business model depends on in which way and under which conditions the vehicles are utilized. With conventional industrial trucks, only rough estimations about the real utilization can be made, which can be only scrutinized with difficulty on the manufacturers side, moreover.
A maintenance according to needs is also a problem in leased industrial trucks. Maintenance operations performed too early as well as those performed too late cause high costs. The maintenance intervals have to be determined on the basis of rough estimates and experimental values.
Departing from this, it is the objective of the present invention to provide an industrial truck which facilitates a maintenance according to needs, in leasing applications in particular.

Industrial truck with acquirement of utilization data