A ceramic precursor batch composition comprising inorganic ceramic-forming ingredients, a binder, an aqueous solvent and a heteroatom polyol agent. The heteroatom polyol agent can be represented by X(R) where X is at least one of S, N, and P, and R is at least two of CH3, CH2CH2OH, CH2CH2CH2OH, CH2(CHOH)CH3, C(CH2OH)1-3, CH2OH, CH(CH2OH)CHOH, C(O)(CHOH)1-4CH2OH, and CH2CH2CH2OCH3. The presence of the heteroatom polyol agent provides a composition with a lower viscosity and/or a greater batch stiffening temperature (Tonset) allowing for increased rates of extrusion. Methods for producing a ceramic honeycomb body using this ceramic precursor batch composition are also provided.

The present disclosure relates generally to ceramic precursor batch compositions, and particularly to ceramic precursor batch compositions and batches comprising heteroatom polyol agents for forming ceramic honeycombs.
In the formation of ceramic bodies, e.g., silicon carbide, cordierite, mullite, alumina, or aluminum titanate bodies, plasticized mixtures of various inorganic powder batches are prepared which are then formed into various shapes. These plasticized mixtures should be well blended and homogeneous in order for the resulting shaped body to have relatively good integrity in both size and shape, and uniform physical properties. These mixtures typically further include organic additives such as binders, plasticizers, surfactants, lubricants, and dispersants as processing aids to enhance cohesion, plasticity, lubricity, and/or wetting, and therefore to produce a more uniform batch.
Cellulose ethers have been used as extrusion binders to impart plasticity while imparting good drying behavior. While other ceramic binder systems can also be used for ceramic extrusion, cellulose ethers such as methylcellulose (MC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPMC) and hydroxyethylmethylcellulose (HEMC) can form high temperature gels. The gelling behavior facilitates rapid drying while preventing distortions as they are heated.
In order to form the batches described above into various shapes, the batch materials are usually fed through an extruder. The rate at which the batch materials can be fed through the extruder is limited in part by the Tonset of the batch. Tonset refers to the temperature at which the rheology of the batch begins to transition from low to high viscosity. Higher Tonset can enable greater batch feed rate and higher batch feed rate can result in reduced processing costs.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form any part of the prior art nor what the prior art may suggest to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Ceramic precursor batch compositions for increased stiffening onset temperature using organic additive heteroatom polyols


A snare drum wire set comprises a generally rectangular rigid plate having a front, a back including a central region having an aperture, left and right sides, and a top and a bottom. The back has a support leg on each side of the central region and an elevated back edge that bridges the support legs in the central region. A mounting strap having a front end is secured in the aperture and extends backward beneath the elevated back edge. A plurality of snare wires are secured to the bottom of the front of the plate and extend forward in parallel from the front edge of the plate. The preferred quick-change strap with transverse insert pin can be very quickly inserted or removed from the clip.

The present invention relates to snare drums, and particularly to apparatus for mounting the snare wires to the drum shell.
The "drum set" is comprised of three types of drums: the bass drum, toms and snare drum. The snare drum is central to the drum set and distinctive both in function and design. The basic difference is in the design of the upper and lower bearing rims or edges of the drum shell, across which the drumhead vibrates. The upper bearing edge of the snare drum is shaped evenly (flat) around the 360-degree circumference while the bottom bearing edge has two cutouts (generally elliptical or semi-circular) positioned parallel to each other and 180 degrees apart. The cutout is called the "snare bed" and varies in length and depth depending the model and/or the manufacturer. This produces a "domed" type shape across the drumhead, crucial in maintaining intimate contact between the vibrating drumhead and the snare wires.
The snare wires are a set of coiled wires varying in material (although most are steel), coil pitch, wire quantity, gauge, shape, length, spacing between wires, and overall width. These variables control the amount and timbre of the "snare" sound as the drumhead and wires vibrate during play. The ends of each set of individual snare wires are fitted, often soldered, onto two opposite rectangular plates, often referred to as the "end plate" or "end-clip" which are situated within the bearing edge adjacent a respective cut out. Each clip is attached to a strap or cable which runs through the cutout and along the outside the shell, with one strap attached to the snare strainer and the other strap attached to a butt-end. The butt end holds one strap in fixed position relative to the edge while the strainer can selectively pull or release the other strap thereby changing the tension on the snare wires.
For the majority of snare drums, there are two types of end-clip designs, the "step" clip and the "curved" or "bent" end-clip. The choice between the two clip designs is subjective. The end-clips are designed to stretch the snare wires as evenly as possible laterally across the center of the drumhead and down into the snare bed. This creates intimate contact of the snare wires against the surface of the drumhead, insuring "snare response" from the center to the edge.
The traditional dual strap-type connector is difficult to mount and adjust. It requires perfectly even tension applied to each cable end to properly "seat" the snare wires and insure that all wire strands receive equal tension. The single strap method also has its shortcomings. Once the strap passes under the back end of the clip it creates a surface that is at a different elevation than the back of the clip, creating a pivot axis and a "see-saw" effect that destabilizes the connection between the clip and snare wires to the head surface during performance. The above mounting methods described create inconsistency in sound and are difficult to properly adjust.


A trusted platform in a digital processing system is maintained even when modules, or other processes or data, are loaded after a boot sequence. A configuration file is used to include measurements (e.g., hash values, signatures, etc.) of modules to be loaded. After secure boot-up the operating system kernel uses the configuration file to check module integrity prior to loading and executing. If a module does not verify against the configuration file data then the system can prevent further operation, restrict certain operations, indicate the non-trusted nature of the system or take other actions. In one embodiment, if a module does not pass the integrity check then the failed measurement is extended into a specific Platform Configuration Register (PCR) within a Trusted Platform Manager (TPM) process. Subsequently, client applications can determine if the platform is trustable based on the return of the PCR value. A local application (application running in the same platform) can “seal” secrets to a trusted platform. The operation of the application relies on the secrets, which can only be revealed in a trusted platform.

This invention is related in general to digital processing systems and more specifically to enforcing security restrictions in a processing platform by ensuring that processes executing on the platform are known, or trusted.
In many of today's computing or processing applications it is desirable for a manufacturer, distributor or owner of content or information to be able to protect the content from misuse. For example, a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) player is used by consumers to show movies and video that is typically proprietary. The owner of the movie content wishes to prevent a user from unauthorized copying, distribution or other handling of the content. Similarly, a compact disc (CD) player can have the same concerns with respect to music or other audio information. Other processing systems may have proprietary content in the form of software application programs, games, etc. In each of these cases protecting the content can be difficult since the processing platform and applications (e.g., DVD player, CD player, game console, etc.) are under the control of the end user who typically operates the processing platform in their home.
One approach to ensuring protection of content is to create a "trusted platform" in a consumer playback device so that a consumer is restricted from misuse of the content. Such a trusted platform only allows known, or trusted, processes to execute so that undesirable functionality, such as undesirable copying of the content, is inhibited. A prior art approach to achieving a trusted platform includes standards promulgated by Trusted Computing Group (TCG, formerly Trusted Computing Platform Alliance (TCPA)) such as TCG Trusted Platform Module (TPM) v1.2 Specification Revision 62, Oct. 2, 2003. This specification design includes a hardware chip TPM and related functions that provide mechanisms to establish certain levels of trusts to local and remote platforms.
A TPM is integrated into a platform and protects a set of Platform Configuration Registers (PCRs) for storing runtime configurations of the platform. Platform configurations are measured (e.g., hashed) and extended (or accumulated) into PCRs. TCG specifies some protected functions for applications to query platform configurations. Using these functions, an application is able to acquire configurations for local or remote platforms.
A trusted chain is established by measuring platform configurations and extending the values to PCRs during a boot sequence. At platform power-on or reset, a root process of the trust module measures system hardware and firmware configurations including the Initial Program Loader (IPL or operating system (OS) loader). The measurements are extended to PCRs before passing over the platform control to the OS loader; The OS loader, in turn, measures the kernel image and related configurations before handling over the system control to the kernel image.
Using these mechanisms it is possible to establish a trusted chain through a boot sequence from power-on to loading and execution of a kernel image. However, this mechanism does not ensure that the platform can remain in the trusted state after the kernel has taken control of the system. In some platforms, the runtime kernel can be altered or even completely replaced after boot. In such a case, the PCR values and other security mechanisms may not be effective. For example, the PCR values may not reflect the actual configurations, especially the kernel image, so that the platform is no longer a trusted platform and can be exploited.

Establishing a trusted platform in a digital processing system


A sample of anticoagulated whole blood contained in a transparent tube is centrifuged so as to gravimetrically separate the various blood cell and other components by specific gravity. The tube may contain an insert or float which serves to elongate certain of the separated component layers. The various component layers may be periodically measured during the centrifugation step by a linear image dissector which can detect differential fluorescence in the several component layers. The blood component layers are caused to fluoresce by flashes of light which are directed toward the blood sample tube as the latter is being centrifuged. The gravimetric separation and quantification of blood sample constituent layers are thus both performed while the sample remains in the centrifuge. The ultimate degree of constituent layer compaction may be measured during centrifugation directly, or it can be extrapolated from a plurality of sequential preliminary measurements which are made during centrifugation prior to ultimate compaction being achieved.

The measurement of the blood cell counts in a centrifuged sample of anticoagulated whole blood has been described in the scientific literature, and a method for easily measuring certain blood cell and other constituent layers is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,660, granted Jun. 7, 1977 to Stephen C. Wardlaw et al. In the patented method, a sample of anticoagulated whole blood is centrifuged in a precision capillary tube which contains a plastic float. The float linearly expands some of the cell layers and the platelet layer.
In performing the patented method, the blood sample is centrifuged for about five minutes at about 12,000 RPM, and then the expanded lengths of the cell and platelet layers are measured. One of the problems in the patented method pertains to the relatively high centrifuge RPM required to reliably compact the layers, particularly the platelet layer. If the constituent layers are not completely or uniformly packed, the results derived by the method may be inaccurate. The aforesaid high RPM centrifugation requires an expensive centrifuge, and increases the risk of tube breakage. Another problem relates to the required minimum five minute centrifugation time period, which is undesirable in many medical situations. Still another problem relates to the need for the operator to remove the tube from the centrifuge and re-insert it into a reader. Because this operation must be performed within a limited time interval following centrifugation, it requires the close attendance of the operator, which is inefficient and further exposes the operator to a potentially hazardous sample.
It would be desirable to be able to measure the blood constituent layers in a shorter period of time, and with a lower RPM centrifuge, and or to reduce the amount of sample tube handling.

Assembly for rapid measurement of cell layers


A method and apparatus for controlling the amount of ozone concentration in the layers of a film depositing system and the multi-layered structure produced thereby, whereby the concentration of ozone in each layer gradually changes from a low ozone concentration in the first deposited layer to a high ozone concentration in the last deposited layer.

In general, the lower layer dependence of a TEOS (tetraethyl ortho-silicate)-O.sub.3 oxidizing film is influenced by the content of ozone (O.sub.3). To improve the lower layer dependence, the ozone concentration should be suitably adjusted, i.e. a plurality of TEOS-O.sub.3 layers should be formed with different ozone concentrations. In other words, it is intended to improve the lower layer dependence and evenness by adjusting the ozone concentration of the TEOS-O.sub.3 whereby the layer deposited first has the lowest O.sub.3 concentration which is gradually increased in the later deposited TEOS-O.sub.3 layers. The "lower layer dependence" of TEOS-O.sub.3 film means that the TEOS-O.sub.3 film has differences in thicknesses and in quality (density) according to the characteristics of the layers formed on its lower portion. For example, when an oxidation film is formed on the substrate and a poly pattern is formed on a predetermined portion of the oxidation film, if TEOS-O.sub.3 is formed on both the oxidation film and the poly pattern, the thickness and the quality (density) of the TEOS-O.sub.3 film on the oxidation film are different from that of the TEOS-O.sub.3 film formed on the poly pattern. In other words, the TEOS-O.sub.3 film is hydrophilic and so is the oxidation film, whereas the poly pattern is hydrophobic. Thus, the TEOS-O.sub.3 film has a better characteristic of deposition over the poly pattern rather than over the oxidation film.
A conventional TEOS-O.sub.3 oxidizing film depositing system is described with reference to FIG. 1.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional TEOS-O.sub.3 oxidizing film depositing system.
As can be shown in FIG. 1, the conventional TEOS-O.sub.3 oxidizing film depositing system comprises an ozone generating zone 2 which generates ozone from oxygen introduced through a suitable adjusting Mass Flow Controller (MFC) zone 1 and a Mass Flow Controller (MFC) zone 2 which controls the amplitude of the flow. A chamber 3 is provided where the depositing of the TEOS-O.sub.3 oxidizing film on a wafer takes place by introducing oxygen and ozone generated in the ozone generating zone 2 as well as a silicon source through opening 3b into the chamber.
The chamber comprises a first inlet opening 3b for introducing the silicon source and depositing the TEOS-O.sub.3 oxidizing film on a wafer substrate 3a. A second inlet opening 3c is provided for introducing ozone having a finally adjusted concentration into the chamber. Dispersion head 3d disperses the silicon source and ozone introduced through the first and second inlet openings 3b and 3c on the wafer 3a. A heater 3e is operatively associated with the wafer 3a.
The TEOS-O.sub.3 oxidizing film depositing system suitably adjusts the output of the ozone concentration from the ozone generating zone (2) to form a TEOS-O.sub.3 oxidizing film layer. The ozone is formed, for example, by the UV radiation of air or oxygen and its concentration can be varied by adjusting the amount of current applied to the UV lamp. The ozone concentration of the oxidizing film layer which is first deposited on the wafer 3a is reduced if the flow of oxygen from the Mass Flow Controller zone 1 increases. Upon gradually reducing the oxygen inflow, the ozone concentration increases accordingly.
However, the conventional TEOS-O.sub.3 oxidizing film depositing system described above has the following disadvantages.
First, a long time is required for the ozone concentration to reach a stabilized state, and this shortens the life span of the UV lamp.
Second, if the TEOS-O.sub.3 oxidizing film is deposited by using very low ozone concentration in order to remove lower layer dependence due to high ozone concentration, the evenness will deteriorate.

Process for supplying ozone (O.sub.3) to TEOS-O.sub.3 oxidizing film depositing system


The invention is a system for providing virtual connections through an ATM interworking multiplexer on a call-by-call basis. A signaling processor receives signaling for a call and selects the virtual connection for the call. The signaling processor generates control messages that identify the selection and transfers the control messages to the ATM interworking multiplexer that accepted the access connection for the call. The multiplexer converts user information from the access connection into ATM cells for transmission over the virtual connection in accord with the control messages.

Not applicable
Not applicable
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to broadband systems, and in particular, to broadband systems that utilize narrowband circuit switches for various call capabilities.
2. Background of the Prior Art
Conventional circuit switches provide the backbone for many current telecommunications networks. These switches process call signaling and extend the call connection towards the destination. They have also been developed to include sophisticated capabilities. Examples include caller validation, number screening, routing, connection control, and billing. These switches are also used to deploy various services. Examples include calling cards, xe2x80x9c800xe2x80x9d calling, voice messaging, and class services.
At present, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology is being developed to provide broadband switching capability for telecommunications calls, which are requests for telecommunications services. Some ATM systems have used ATM cross-connects to provide virtual connections, but cross-connect devices do not have the capacity to process signaling used by telecommunications networks to set-up and tear down calls. Thus, ATM cross-connects cannot make connections on a call-by-call basis. As a result, connections through cross-connect systems must be pre-provisioned which creates a relatively rigid switching fabric. Due to this limitation, ATM cross-connect systems have been used primarily to provide dedicated connections, such as permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) and permanent virtual paths (PVPs). But, they do not provide ATM switching on a call by call basis as required to provide switched virtual circuits (SVCs) or switched virtual paths (SVPs). Those skilled in the art are well aware of the efficiencies created by using SVPs and SVCs as opposed to PVCs and PVPs because SVCs and SVPs utilize bandwidth more efficiently.
ATM switches have also been used to provide PVCs and PVPs. Because PVCs and PVPs are not established on a call-by-call basis, the ATM switch does not need to use its call processing or signaling capacity. ATM switches require both signaling capability and call processing capability to provide SVCs and SVPs. In order to achieve virtual connection switching on a call by call basis, ATM switches are being developed that can process calls in response to signaling to provide virtual connections for each call. These systems cause problems, however, because they must be very sophisticated to support current networks. These ATM switches must process high volumes of calls and transition legacy services from existing networks. An example would be an ATM switch that can handle large numbers of POTS, 800, and VPN calls.
Currently, ATM multiplexers are capable of interworking traffic of other formats into the ATM format. These are known as ATM interworking multiplexers (muxes). ATM multiplexers are being developed that can interwork traffic into ATM cells and multiplex the cells for transport over an ATM network. These ATM mux are not used to implement virtual connections selected on a call-by-call basis.
Unfortunately, there is a need for efficient systems that can integrate the capabilities of broadband components with the capabilities of conventional circuit switches. Such a system would provide ATM virtual connections on a call-by-call basis, but support the numerous services currently provided by circuit switches.
The present invention includes a telecommunications system and method for providing a service for a call. The invention operates as follows. A signaling processor receives and processes a first telecommunications signaling message for the call to provide a first control message, a second control message, and a second telecommunications signaling message. A first ATM interworking multiplexer receives narrowband traffic for the call over a first narrowband connection. It converts the narrowband traffic from the first narrowband connection into ATM cells that identify a first virtual connection based on the first control message and transmits the ATM cells over the first virtual connection. An ATM cross-connect system receives the ATM cells from the first ATM interworking multiplexer over the first virtual connection and routes the ATM cells from the first virtual connection based on the first virtual connection identified in the ATM cells. A second ATM interworking multiplexer receives the ATM cells from the ATM cross-connect system over the first virtual connection. It converts the ATM cells from the first virtual connection into the narrowband traffic and transmits the narrowband traffic over a second narrowband connection based on the second control message. A narrowband switch receives the narrowband traffic from the second ATM multiplexer over the second narrowband connection and provides a service to the call based on the second telecommunications signaling message. In various embodiments, the service provided by the narrowband switch is: routing the call, billing the call, validating the call, a calling card service, or a voice messaging service.
In various embodiments, the signaling processor selects the narrowband switch. The selection can be based on: available access to the narrowband switch, loading on the narrowband switch, an area served by the narrowband switch, network maintenance conditions, or the first telecommunications signaling message (including a destination point code, an origination point code, an NPA, an NPA-NXX, a caller""s number, an xe2x80x9c800xe2x80x9d,xe2x80x9c888xe2x80x9d, or xe2x80x9c900xe2x80x9d number, or a network identifier in the message).
In various embodiments, the signaling processor selects the first virtual connection based on: the selected narrowband switch, available access to the narrowband switch, loading on the narrowband switch, an area served by the narrowband switch, network maintenance conditions, or the first telecommunications signaling message (including a destination point code, an origination point code, an NPA, an NPA-NXX, a caller""s number, an xe2x80x9c800xe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9c888xe2x80x9d, or xe2x80x9c900xe2x80x9d number, or a network identifier in the message).
In various embodiments, the narrowband switch processes the call based on the second telecommunications signaling message. It provide a third telecommunications signaling message based on the call processing and routes the narrowband traffic for the call to the second ATM multiplexer over a third narrowband connection. The signaling processor receives and processes the third telecommunications signaling message to provide a third control message to the second ATM multiplexer, and to provide a fourth control message. The second ATM interworking multiplexer receives the narrowband traffic for the call from the narrowband switch over the third narrowband connection. It converts the narrowband traffic from the third narrowband connection into ATM cells that identify a second virtual connection based on the third control message and transmits the ATM cells over the second narrowband connection. The ATM cross-connect system receives the ATM cells from the second ATM interworking multiplexer over the second virtual connection and routes the ATM cells from the second virtual connection based on the second virtual connection identified in the ATM cells. A third ATM interworking multiplexer receives the ATM cells from the ATM cross-connect system over the second virtual connection. It converts the ATM cells from the second virtual connection into the narrowvband traffic and transmits the narrowband traffic over a fourth narrowband connection based on the fourth control message. In various of these embodiments, the signaling processor selects the second virtual connection based on a destination point code in the third telecommunications signaling message or based on a destination network identified in the third telecommunications signaling message.


A shift register includes multiple stages connected with each other in succession. The shift register stores the threshold voltage of an amorphous silicon thin-film transistor in a capacitor. During operation, the bias applied to the transistor is adjusted according to the threshold voltage stored in the capacitor.

(a) Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a shift register, particularly to a shift register constructed by amorphous silicon thin-film transistors.
(b) Description of the Related Art
Typically, thin-film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCDs) are divided into two types, the amorphous silicon TFT LCD (a-Si TFT-LCD) and the polycrystalline silicon TFT LCD (poly-Si TFT-LCD). An amorphous silicon thin-film transistor is often used in an active matrix type LCD due to its low fabrication cost and high production yield; however, some of its electrical characteristics are inferior compared with a polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistor. Thus, an amorphous silicon gate (ASG) technology accompanied by many testified circuit architectures is proposed to combine with the application of the amorphous silicon thin-film transistor, so that the amorphous silicon thin-film transistor may compare favorably with the polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistor when they are used in a high-resolution display.
FIG. 1A shows a block diagram illustrating a shift register 10 provided in a conventional gate drive circuit that is constructed by amorphous silicon thin-film transistors. Referring to FIG. 1A, the shift register 10 includes 193 unit stages 111-11193 for respectively driving 192 scan lines, where a unit stages 11193 is a dummy unit stage and not connected with any scan line. Each unit stage includes an input terminal IN′, an output terminal OUT′, a feedback control terminal CT′, a clock signal input terminal CK′, a first power voltage terminal VSS′ and a second power voltage terminal VDD′.
In the shift register 10, an output signal OUTM−1 (M is a positive integer; 1<M≦193) of a preceding unit stage 11M−1 serves as the input signal IN of a succeeding unit stage 11M, and an output signal OUTM of the succeeding unit stage 11M in turn serves as the feedback control signal CT for the preceding unit stage 11M−1. Thus, the unit stages 11 may drive their respective scan lines in succession.
FIG. 1B shows a detailed circuit diagram of one unit stage 11 shown in FIG. 1A. The unit stage 11 includes a pull-up unit 111, a pull-up drive unit 112, a pull-down unit 113, a pull-down drive unit 114, a floating preventing unit 115, and a turn-on preventing unit 116. Note that all the transistors in the unit stage 11 are amorphous silicon thin-film transistors.
The pull-up unit 111 includes an NMOS transistor Q1. The drain of the NMOS transistor Q1 is connected to the clock signal input terminal CK′ for receiving a clock signal CK/CKB, its gate is connected to a first node N1, and its source is connected to the output terminal OUT′ for outputting an output signal OUT. The pull-up drive unit 112 includes a capacitor C and three NMOS transistors Q3, Q4 and Q5. The two ends of the capacitor C are respectively connected to the first node N1 and the output terminal OUT′. The drain and the gate of the transistor Q3 are connected with each other; also, its gate is connected to the input terminal IN′ for receiving the input signal IN, and its source is connected to the first node N1. The drain of the transistor Q4 is connected to the first node N1, its gate is connected to a second node N2, and its source is connected to the first power voltage terminal VSS′ for receiving a first power voltage VSS of a first power voltage source. The first power voltage VSS may have a low voltage level or a ground level. The drain of the transistor Q5 is connected to the first node N1, its gate is connected to the feedback control terminal CT′ for receiving the feedback control signal CT, and its source is connected to the first power voltage terminal VSS′. The pull-down unit 113 includes a NMOS transistor Q2 whose drain is connected to the output terminal OUT′, gate is connected to the second node N2, and source is connected to the first power voltage terminal VSS′. The pull-down drive unit 114 includes two NMOS transistors Q6 and Q7. The drain of the transistor Q6 is connected to the second power voltage terminal VDD′, its gate is connected to the feedback control terminal CT′, and its source is connected to the second node N2. The drain of the transistor Q7 is connected to the second node N2, its gate is connected to the input terminal IN′, and its source is connected to the first power voltage terminal VSS′. The floating preventing unit 115 includes an NMOS transistor Q8 whose drain and gate are connected with each other to form a diode architecture. Further, the drain of the NMOS transistor Q8 is connected to the second power voltage terminal VDD′, and its source is connected to the second node N2. The turn-on preventing unit 116 includes an NMOS transistor Q9 whose drain is connected to the second node N2, gate is connected to the output terminal OUT′, and source is connected to the first power voltage terminal VSS′.
The operations of a conventional shift register are described below with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, with a third unit stage 113 being taken as an example.
During operation, the shift register 113 receives an output signal Out2 (input signal IN) of a preceding unit stage 112 via the input terminal IN′ and receives a clock signal CK via the clock signal input terminal CK′ to enable the output signal Out3 of the unit stage 113 to have a high level. Then, the output signal Out3 of the unit stage 113 is disabled to have a low level according to the output signal Out4 (feedback control signal CT) of a succeeding unit stage 114 transmitted via the feedback control terminal CT′. During the scanning process of the shift register 10, each the output signals Out1-Out192 in turn is enabled and then disabled; in other words, once the output signal Out3 of the unit stage 113 is enabled, the unit stage 113 will not proceed the next action until the remaining unit stages 111-112 and unit stage 114-11193 all finish proceeding their respective current actions. Thus, the NMOS transistors Q2 and Q4 in each unit stage 11 must be turned on for a long time to keep the output signal OUT disabled. Further, the positively biased NMOS transistors Q2 and Q4 may become zero-biased only as an input signal having a high level is received and the output signal OUT is enabled. Therefore, since the NMOS transistors Q2 and Q4 are always positively biased for a long time, they are liable to malfunction to result in a considerable shift in the threshold voltage Vth of a transistor.
More specifically, during the long-term operation of the unit stage 11, the threshold voltage Vth2 of the NMOS transistor Q2 is continually increased to cause an increase in the on-resistance between the output terminal OUT′ and the first power voltage terminal VSS′. In that case, a low dynamic response speed of the output signal OUT is achieved when the voltage of the output signal OUT is changed from the second power voltage VDD to the first power voltage VSS, and the output signal OUT often influenced by surrounding signals or noises to thus hardly maintain its voltage at the first power voltage VSS. This may cause the gate drive circuit to transmit distorted scan signals to result in drive errors. Also, the threshold voltage Vth4 of the NMOS transistor Q4 is continually increased to cause an increase in the on-resistance between the first node N1 and the first power voltage terminal VSS′. In that case, a low dynamic response speed at the first node N1 is achieved when the voltage of the first node N1 is changed from the second power voltage VDD to the first power voltage VSS, and the output signal OUT often influenced by surrounding signals or noises to thus hardly maintain its voltage at the first power voltage VSS. For example, when the clock signal CK is in a high level period, it may erroneously turn on the NMOS transistor Q1 to enable the output signal OUT in case the voltage of the first node N1 is deviated from normal one due to the influence of noises. Under the circumstance, the gate drive circuit may transmit distorted scan signals to result in drive errors that worsen the display quality of a display panel.
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating a unit stage 21 of another conventional shift register. Referring to FIG. 2, the unit stage 21 includes eight amorphous silicon NMOS transistors M1, M2a, M2b, M3, M4, M5, M6 and M7. The pull down unit 211 is divided into a first pull-down transistor M2a and a second pull-down transistor M2b, and the gate of the transistor M2b. Hence, though the second NMOS transistor M2b, similar to the NMOS transistor Q2 or Q4 shown in FIG. 1B, is positively biased for a long time to result in a considerable shift in the threshold voltage, the provision of the first pull-down transistor M2a whose gate is controlled by the output signal OUTi+1 (i is a positive integer) of a succeeding unit stage 21 may cure this problem. More specifically, when the voltage of the output signal OUTi is changed from the second power voltage VDD to the first power voltage VSS, the first NMOS transistor M2a may cooperate with the second NMOS transistor M2b to pull down the voltage of an output node to improve the dynamic response speed.
However, the first NMOS transistor M2a may relieve the shift in the threshold voltage only at the moment the output signal OUTi is pulled down, but, at the remaining moments, the shift in the threshold voltage of the NMOS transistor M2b still influences the operation of the unit stage 21 to result in drive errors.


The invention teaches a solution for a Time Division Duplex (TDD) and Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) networks. In the solution, a threshold value is set for a radio frequency gain. The value of the radio frequency gain is limited to the threshold value during an initial synchronization phase where user equipment is first trying to receive synchronization signals in a transmission from a base station.

In a Time Division Duplex (TDD) network, uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmissions are done in the same frequency channel, and uplink and downlink transmissions are separated in time. When user equipment (UE) is synchronized to a cell in a TDD network, it will only open its downlink receiver for reception in the time periods allocated for downlink transmissions. In the initial synchronization phase where the user equipment is first trying to receive synchronization signals in a cell, the user equipment is not yet aware of the frame synchronization in the cell. In this synchronization phase, the user equipment needs to search continuously on the channel frequency for some time in order to find the synchronization channels.
In Long Term Evolution (LTE) TDD networks, synchronization channels are transmitted from the base station (eNodeB) with an interval of 5 ms. The minimum time required for the search is therefore 5 ms plus the length of the synchronization symbol. During this search time, the user equipment receiver will capture all signals transmitted on the channel frequency.
A problem may exist for the user equipment if there is another user equipment nearby which is already synchronized to the same cell (or in the same network) and is allocated uplink transmissions while the first user equipment is capturing its search signal. FIG. 1A illustrates this situation. An interfering signal as seen from the first user equipment 100 can be extremely high if the second user equipment 102 is close to the first user equipment 100. One particularly difficult situation occurs when the downlink signal from a base station 104 is weak and the second user equipment 102 is close to the first user equipment 102.
If the downlink signals are close to or below a reference sensitivity level and the second user equipment 102 is within a few meters of the first user equipment 100, then the signal level difference between the desired signal and the interfering signal can be around 100 dBs. Although the desired and the interfering signals are separated in time, this scenario represents a problem to the receiver's Automatic Gain Control (AGC).
In another difficult situation, there is only a very short time between the uplink region and the synchronization channels in the radio time frame. The AGC has to settle to a usable radio frequency (RF) gain before the synchronization channel is received. During the uplink region, the AGC might have been seriously misadjusted, i.e. the radio frequency gain might be set very low to adapt to the strong UL signal. During the transition region from uplink to the start of synchronization channels, the AGC has to iterate towards a radio frequency gain setting suitable for receiving the small downlink signal.
In this transition region, there is a further risk that there are only Common Reference Signals (CRS) transmitted from the eNodeB. This will be the situation if there are no download allocations to any user equipment during this period. As CRS symbols are transmitted with a separation in time of three or four symbols, this issue puts a further requirement on the length of the signal power measurement that is done by the AGC to estimate the signal level.
Because of the minimum power measurement length for each AGC iteration, there is a limitation on the number of iterations that it is possible to do in the transition region. The AGC is normally only able to step the gain up (or down) by a certain number of decibels for each iteration. The step size depends on for example an assessment of the received signal level using the current gain setting.
Another problem to the AGC occurs when there are no uplink allocations in the TDD uplink region and the user equipment that needs to synchronize to the LTE cell is very close to an eNodeB. FIG. 1B illustrates this situation. In this situation, the user equipment 106 could be receiving a very weak signal in the uplink region of the time frame. In theory, the received signal level can be as low as the thermal noise floor. Because the user equipment 106 is very close to the eNodeB 108, the synchronization channel might be received as a very strong signal, for example −25 dBm. In this scenario, the AGC of the user equipment will face the challenge of settling to an appropriate low RF gain level for reception of the SCH channel shortly after having settled to a very high RF gain level in the uplink region.
A similar problem (i.e. settling to a usable radio frequency gain) exists in LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) networks. For example, in a MBMS Single Frequency Network (MBSFN), the data load can be varying in MBSFN regions of the downlink signal. All symbols in a subframe but the first (which contains a CRS pilot) can be empty. For example, if the wanted downlink signal is very strong (e.g. −25 dBm) and the gain control has settled to a very high value because there is no signal received in the MBSFN region, then the gain will have to change from the very high value to a very low value during only a few AGC iterations.
Based on the above, there is a need for a solution that would solve or at least mitigate the above problems or drawbacks.

Method, apparatus and computer readable medium for setting a radio frequency gain


The present embodiments relate to a novel method of making quaternary ammonium polymers comprising the steps of: a) mixing 1,4-bis-dimethylamino-2-butene, triethanolamine, water and an acid; and b) introducing a 1,4-dihalo-2-butene to the mixture so as to initiate a reaction resulting in the quaternary ammonium polymer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present embodiments relate to novel synthesis methods for polyquaternium-1 and related molecules.
2. Description of the Related Art
Quaternary ammonium polymers in which the ammonium moieties are part of the linear polymeric chains have been used as antimicrobial agents in several industries. Polyquaternium-1 (PQ1) is a polymeric quaternary ammonium anti-microbial agent that has been used, for example, in preserving ophthalmic compositions and disinfecting contact lenses. PQ1 is effective against bacteria, algae and fungi.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,931,319, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference, describes a two-step method for PQ1 synthesis which requires a high reaction temperature. This leads to significant degradation of the target molecule into impurities from which the desired PQ1 is difficult to separate.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,020, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference, describes a procedure for polyquaternium-1 synthesis which results in less degradation of the resulting PQ1 than the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,931,319 but still produces a rather low yield. The procedure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,020 entails mixing 1,4-bis-dimethylamino-2-butene with triethanolamine (TEA), the molar ratio of the 1,4-bis-dimethylamino-2-butene to the TEA amine being from 2:1 to 30:1 followed by the addition of 1,4-dichloro-butene to the mixture in a molar amount equal to the sum of the molar amount of the 1,4-bis-dimethylamino-2-butene plus one-half the molar amount of TEA. The reaction time is 1-10 hours.
A major weakness of the method taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,020 is that the TEA end-capping efficiency is low. As such, the final product contains a significant amount of polymers with no end caps or polymers end-capped with groups other than TEA. These malformed polymers are difficult to separate from polyquaternium-1 because of the similarity in the main chain of the polymeric molecules. Degraded or malformed polymers of PQ1 have reduced anti-bacterial efficacy and cannot substitute for PQ1 in clinical use.


A rule-based methodology is described which supports automatic mapping of data fields between different data sets in a data processing environment. If a field cannot be mapped or matched based on name alone (e.g., an identical match), the methodology employs rules to determine a type for the field, based on the field""s name. The determined type of the field is then used for matching. The methodology can be employed to match fields which appear dissimilar phonetically but are otherwise appropriate for matching. In the currently-preferred embodiment, rules are stated in form of: regular expression=type. Here, the regular expression member lists the text strings or substring(s) for the field. The rules are ordered in descending preference according to the likelihood that a given rule will correctly identify a field. In this mariner, the methodology allows the task of mapping fields from one data set to another to be entirely automated.

The present invention relates generally to the area of information processing and, more particularly, apparatus and methods for mapping or translating information from one data set to another.
Successful management of one""s schedule and contacts is a goal that every successful professional must achieve. One""s business day may be swept away in a deluge of meetings and appointments, all of which must be somehow managed. An attempt to manage this task on paper, such as with a simple wall calendar, is unworkable for all but the simplest of schedules. More likely, such unsophisticated aids to managing one""s time will lead to scheduling conflicts, missed appointments, botched deadlines, and angry clients.
The first allies that professionals discovered were portable xe2x80x9corganizers,xe2x80x9d such as the Day Timer(trademark) or the Lafax(trademark). However, an increasing number are discovering the power of personal computers for managing appointments, contacts, and xe2x80x9cto doxe2x80x9d tasks. For instance, several scheduling packages are available for the PC. While not as portable as paper organizers, scheduling packages offer increased flexibility in other areas. For example, one may view his or her schedule from a variety of viewsxe2x80x94by month, week, day, or priorityxe2x80x94and attach detailed notes to appointments. Additional options available include the ability to automatically schedule a meeting for the first Monday of every other month, or display horizontal bars which graphically represent one""s weekly schedule, so that free time can be quickly pinpointed. Other options include the ability to easily edit an entry, and set alarms as a reminder of important appointments.
With ever increasing emphasis on miniaturization and portability, several of the features of personal information management (PIM) packages may now be found in handheld information processing devices, such as the Sharp Wizard(trademark), REX(trademark), Casio BOSS(trademark), and Palm Pilot(trademark). Being roughly the size of a handheld calculator, these electronic organizers are often carried when one is away from the office. As a tradeoff for portability, however, these devices typically forego several of the more desirable features found on desktop personal computers (e.g., full color graphics display). As a result, it is common for a professional to employ a personal computer to manage his or her time, yet carry a portable organizer when he or she is away from the office. Upon returning to the office, the information in the personal computer is then updated with the new information in the portable organizer.
Updating or reconciling two sets of information, whether between a PC and an organizer, or between two computers joined by a communication network, has never been easy. The reconciliation of user scheduling and contact information has been particularly difficult. A particular problem faced by a user of information management programs is the difficulty of translating or mapping data fields from one device to those of another. Consider, for instance, a user device having the following source data fields:
First Name
Last Name
Street Address 1
Street Address 2
City
State
Zip Code
Phone
FAX
Now, suppose the user also has a portable device with the following destination data fields:
First
Last
Home Address 1
Home Address 2
Home City
Home State
Home ZIP
Telephone
Telephone 2
As it can be seen, some of the fields are identical, others are somewhat similar, and finally still others are completely different.
A conventional approach to mapping fields between two devices is to display a user interface dialogue allowing the user to select pairs of fields. In such an approach, fields which are identical are already selected by the system, thereby leaving the user with some number of remaining fields to pair up. Such an approach works reasonably well if only a small number of fields are involved. Often, however, each set of data fields comprise a multitude of fields, hence making it very inconvenient for the user to manually match or pair up fields which are not identical, or at least very similar. A better approach is therefore desired.
What is needed is a system which allows a user of an information processing device to readily map or translate user information, such as user-supplied contact lists, from one data set on one device into another data set, either on the same device or on another device. The present invention fulfills this and other needs.
Computers have found a variety of applications for the management of one""s time, including tracking meetings and appointments. With increased availability of portable information processing devices, many of the scheduling features found on personal computers are now available with handheld electronic organizers. Because handheld organizers sacrifice features for portability, professionals will often manage their time at the office with a personal computer, reserving the portable for when they are away. Upon returning to the office, however, one must reconcile the information stored in the portable with that already present in the personal computer. Often, there is a need to translate or map data fields from one device to those of another.
According to the present invention, improved rule-based methodology in a data processing environment is provided supporting automatic matching of data fields between different data sets, thus allowing the task of mapping fields from one data set to another to be entirely automated. If a field cannot be matched based on name alone (e.g., an identical match), the methodology of the present invention employs rules to determine a type for the field, based on the field""s name. The determined type of the field is then used for matching. In this manner, the methodology can be employed to match fields which appear dissimilar phonetically but are otherwise appropriate for matching.
In the currently-preferred embodiment, rules are stated in the form of:
regular expression=type
Here, the regular expression member lists the text strings or substring(s) for the field. To support substring matching, the regular expression may contain *,  less than ,  greater than  and ? characters, where xe2x80x9c*xe2x80x9d matches any string, xe2x80x9c less than xe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9c greater than xe2x80x9d match the beginning and ending of a word, respectively, and xe2x80x9c?xe2x80x9d matches any character, with matching being performed in a case insensitive manner. The type member consists of four or fewer characters (e.g., xe2x80x9cnamexe2x80x9d for a name type), optionally preceded by a xe2x80x9cxe2x88x92xe2x80x9d character for indicating a xe2x80x9cnegativexe2x80x9d type. A negative type indicates that the system should not map more than one field to a given field. The rules are ordered in descending preference according to the likelihood that a given rule will correctly identify a field. Alternatively, the rules may be ordered according to other desired criteria, or may be entirely unordered (i.e., a simple list).
A preferred user interface for mapping data fields from one device (e.g., desktop PC) to another (e.g., REX(trademark) hand held device) is also provided. In accordance with the present invention, an exemplary system includes a TrueSync(trademark) Wizard panel providing a xe2x80x9cSmartMapxe2x80x9dxe2x80x94that is, a mechanism whereby the system automatically detects and sets up mappings for each cardfile that the user selected to synchronize. By default, the system has already xe2x80x9csmart mappedxe2x80x9d the fields from source to destination. The user can override this mapping, as desired. If the user changes the default mappings and then want to restore them, he or she just clicks a SmartMap button. If preferred, the user can choose his or her own mappings by selecting a field in each column and clicking a Map button, or by clicking a field in the left column and then double-clicking a field in the right column to map it. To remove all mappings, the user clicks a Clear All Mappings button. To remove a particular field mapping, the user clicks a field in each column and then clicks an Unmap button.
After configuring the mapping, the user selects a Synchronize button, whereupon the system performs synchronization between two devices, according to the configuration information defined by the user. Data from source data fields is mapped according to the established mapping to corresponding data fields in the destination data set, with synchronization performed by the system.

Methods for mapping data fields from one data set to another in a data processing environment


Processes and systems that enhance the heating of packaged foodstuffs and other items in various microwave heating systems are described herein. It has been unexpectedly found that configuring the microwave heating zone of a microwave-assisted pasteurization or sterilization system so that the article carrier, the microwave launchers, and/or the packages have certain relative dimensions may significantly enhance the uniformity of heating of the articles. The result is pasteurized or sterilized articles that exhibit fewer hot and cold spots, a consistent microbial lethality rate, and desirable end properties, such as visual appearance, taste, and texture.

Microwave radiation is a known mechanism for delivering energy to an object. The ability of microwave energy to penetrate and heat an object in a rapid and effective manner has proven advantageous in many chemical and industrial processes. Because of its ability to quickly and thoroughly heat an article, microwave energy has been employed in heating processes wherein the rapid achievement of a prescribed minimum temperature is desired, such as, for example, pasteurization or sterilization processes. Further, because microwave energy is generally non-invasive, microwave heating may be particularly useful for heating dielectrically sensitive materials, such as food and pharmaceuticals. However, to date, the complexities and nuances of safely and effectively applying microwave energy, especially on a commercial scale, have severely limited its application in several types of industrial processes. Furthermore, achieving efficient, yet uniform, heating of articles that achieves sufficient microbial lethality rates and minimizes thermal degradation of organoleptic properties of the material has proven challenging, particularly on a commercial scale.
A need exists for a microwave heating system suitable for the sterilization or pasteurization of a wide variety of packaged foodstuffs and other items. The system would be capable of providing consistent, uniform, and rapid heating of the articles with a high degree of operational flexibility. Processes performed by such a system would minimize, or even prevent, hot and cold spots in the articles, and ensure the pasteurized and sterilized articles achieve target standards for microbial lethality and overall quality.

Microwave-assisted sterilization and pasteurization system using synergistic packaging, carrier and launcher configurations


An adjustable humeral implant includes a humeral tray and a humeral coupler. The humeral tray includes a humeral coupler receiving portion. The humeral coupler includes a humeral tray mating portion and a stem portion extending from the humeral tray mating portion along a first axis. The humeral tray mating portion is translatable within the humeral coupler receiving portion in a direction transverse to the first axis.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.
Performing an anatomic or reverse arthroplasty generally requires the placement of a humeral implant (e.g., a glenosphere or a glenosphere-receiving implant such as a humeral tray) in, and/or relative to, a humerus. For example, it is often necessary to position the humeral implant relative to a surface of the resected humerus such that medial overhang of the humeral implant relative to the surface is minimized or eliminated. Considerable surgical skill is generally required to accurately align the humeral implant in the correct orientation in, and/or relative to, the humerus when performing the anatomic or reverse arthroplasty. It is desirable, therefore, that an adjustable humeral implant be accurately oriented relative to the humerus when performing an anatomic or reverse arthroplasty.

Adjustable humeral tray for shoulder arthroplasty


Improved foot-receiving apparatuses that may include: a housing somewhat defining an interior (16) for receiving a foot, and having an external periphery; and at least one Pant-Leg-Cover (XX1) disposed substantially outside of the external periphery of the housing, where the Pant-Leg-Cover (XX1) extends upward from a fixable lower portion (A1) joined to the housing to a free upper portion (D1) movable relative to the housing, where a pant leg (99) can be at least accommodated, secured, and utilized between the housing and the Pant-Leg-Cover. The consumer may have the option to freely join or un-join the Pant-Leg-Cover with the housing to at least change the aesthetic appearance of the apparatus, e.g. depending on personal preference. This specification describes numerous embodiments that will create a sustainable competitive advantage for a select corporation.

In leisure shoes, athletic shoes or sneakers, and many sports boots the ability to have functional, safe, comfortable, customizable, and expressive footwear is particularly important for successful marketing of footwear. Over the years, footwear and other foot-receiving apparatuses have become an increasing method for personal expression. Inventors, investors, and corporations have been feverishly trying to discover the footwear that their youth target market will love. In the past decade, numerous patents have been issued for functional, safe comfortable, customizable, and expressive portions of shoes. None of these ideas have solved all of the following problems.
Many sports and music fans enjoy supporting their favorite sports teams or music artists by wearing clothing decorated with the team's/artist's logo, team's/artist's name, etc. Foot-receiving apparatuses are commercially available that depict such logos and names for consumers. However, if a fan wishes to display different logos or names, then a corresponding number of foot-receiving apparatuses are needed. In the same manner, a fan who wishes to display the team or artist logo with different styles of foot-receiving apparatuses would also require a corresponding number of foot-receiving apparatuses. This can be very costly and is not the only problem.
Current expressive portions of footwear get covered not only by lace-securing members, but also by long, loose-fitted pant legs. Decorative attachments used to customize footwear are also are covered by long, loose-fitted pant legs. Thus, consumers are forced to bunch-up or jam-up their pant legs behind the expressive portions on their footwear. This action is necessary for consumers in order to 'show off' or express themselves, the best they can, using their footwear. From a perspective within this target market, jamming-up our pant legs is extremely uncomfortable. The jammed-up pant leg rubs between our ankle and portions of our footwear. This proves to be extremely inconvenient, uncomfortable, and looks hideous. Moreover, after some walking or movement, our pant legs return to covering the expressive portions on our footwear, we are inconvenienced, and left with little options. Current expressive portions for footwear are not built to accommodate, secure, and utilize long, loose-fitted pant legs.
Additionally, long, loose-fitted pant legs are fashionable for a select target market. Yet, the fashionable pant legs have caused consumers an increasing number of problems (some additional to those mentioned above). Problems from pant legs include, but are not limited to: safety hazards (e.g. when riding a bicycle or scooter), comfort (worn in the wind), keeping the pant leg clean, and in one piece (keeping it above the bottom sole of the footwear), and fashion (pant legs and closure devices cover the expressive portions on footwear).
Most recently, electronic components have been added to footwear. Manufacturers are putting electronic components and visual displays on every type of object known to man. The mindset seems to be, if it has a visual display, it will sell. As a result, patents exist where visual displays are added onto furniture, shirts, pants, footwear, etc. However, this broad mindset does not take into account the many disadvantages associated with incorporating visual displays with footwear.
Similar to other customizable portions of footwear, the current visual displays on footwear include disadvantages. Disadvantages of current visual displays on footwear are, but not limited to, the following:                (A) The current visual displays are only and exactly that, visual displays. These displays only inform the consumer through a single human sense, sight. This limits the consumer's accessibility to information. For example, a video that requires sound, using a current video display, has little or no benefit to the consumer and others. Current visual displays do not include synchronized audio speakers.        (B) Current visual displays on footwear cannot be quickly, efficiently, and conveniently removed or interchanged from the footwear. This has numerous associated disadvantages; many will be discussed later in this specification.        (C) Current visual displays on footwear cannot be used as a hand-held device.        (D) Current footwear including visual displays cannot take their own pictures to be displayed on the footwear.        (E) Current footwear including visual displays cannot take their own video to be displayed on the footwear.        (F) Current footwear including visual displays cannot appear to be conventional footwear.        (G) When the consumer is wearing the footwear including current visual displays, the displays are always susceptible to unexpected environmental factors (e.g. rain, snow, dirt, liquids, etc.).        (H) The visual displays can only be viewed from on the footwear. Therefore, if the consumer wants to get a closer look at their visual display, they have to either take off their footwear or bring their foot closer to their eyes. This is inconvenient because the footwear can be dirty, oddly shaped, smelly, etc.        (I) The visual displays also do not provide the consumer with a customizable border to the visual display. This limits the marketability of the footwear.        (J) Current visual displays on footwear are limited to the size, shape, and flexibility of the housing of the footwear.        (K) The visual display is a body-length away from the consumer's eyes. The distance and limited size of the visual display increases strain on the human eye.        (L) Current visual displays on footwear must be made of a flexible, comfortable material. The reason is that the current visual displays are located on the housing of the footwear that directly touches the consumer's foot. This limits the type of visual display available on footwear (e.g. flexibly backed). As a result, this limits a manufacturer's product differentiation.        (M) Current visual displays on footwear do not provide a way to change an angle of the displays. Therefore, the consumer must move their foot in various ways to achieve a desired viewing angle.        (N) Current visual displays on footwear do not have an additional power source.        (O) Current visual displays on footwear do not have an additional memory source.        (P) Additionally, as mentioned above, the long, loose-fitted pant legs of consumers easily cover the visual displays. As a result, the visual displays are neither conveniently nor remotely viewable to the consumer and others.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide foot-receiving apparatuses including at least a Pant-Leg-Cover. The Pant-Leg-Covers would be built to at least substantially accommodate, secure, and utilize the long, loose-fitted pant legs of consumers. As a result, the Pant-Leg-Covers would at least increase consumer safety, convenience, cleanliness, comfort, fashion, options, and personal expression. Moreover, it would be advantageous if the consumer would be able to at least: easily, conveniently, efficiently, and securely include the Pant-Leg-Covers with foot-receiving apparatuses, if so desired; to easily, conveniently, efficiently, and comfortably secure long, loose-fitted pant legs between the housing of the apparatus and the Pant-Leg-Covers, if so desired; to customize the Pant-Leg-Covers, if so desired; to easily, conveniently, and efficiently interchange the Pant-Leg-Covers, if so desired, and/or to easily, conveniently, and efficiently remove the Pant-Leg-Covers, if so desired.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Pant-leg-covers for modified footwear, conventional footwear, and other foot-receiving apparatuses


A textile component may include a knitted component with a first knit layer, a second knit layer, and a pocket, where the pocket is located between the first knit layer and the second knit layer. A spacing element may be included, where the spacing element is located within the pocket. An embroidered element on an exterior surface of the first knit layer may be included, where the embroidered element extends through the first knit layer but does not extend through the second knit layer.

A variety of articles are formed from textiles. As examples, articles of apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, socks, footwear, jackets and other outerwear, briefs and other undergarments, hats and other headwear), containers (e.g., backpacks, bags), and upholstery for furniture (e.g., chairs, couches, car seats) are often at least partially formed from textiles. These textiles are often formed by weaving or interlooping (e.g., knitting) a yarn or a plurality of yarns, usually through a mechanical process involving looms or knitting machines.
In some applications, the textile may be embroidered with at least one embroidery element, such as a strand, thread, yarn, or the like (herein referred to as a "strand" when referring to an embroidered element). The embroidery process may be accomplished on a mechanical device called an embroidery machine. Typically, an embroidery machine includes a needle for mechanically manipulating the strand through the base layer of the textile. Usually, the embroidery process occurs after the base layer of the textile is formed, and the embroidery machine is typically separate from the machine used to form the base textile layer (e.g., a knitting machine or a weaving loom). Thus, the embroidery, when incorporated into a knitted component, includes strands that are separate from those used in the knitting process.

Textile component with embroidered emblem


The disclosure provides a method for producing extracellular proteins from genus Tepidimonas, including: performing a fermentation culturing to a bacteria of genus Tepidimonas with a culturing medium to form a fermented liquid, wherein the composition of the culturing medium includes a carbon source which is an organic acid, selected from a group consisting of acetate, lactate and butyrate; a nitrogen source selected from a group consisting of (NH4)2SO4, NH4NO3, NH4Cl and urea; phosphate; carbonate; MgCl2; yeast extract; and trace elements, and wherein the gas feeding rate for the fermentation culturing is about 0-0.1 vvm; and after the fermentation culturing is completed, collecting the fermented liquid, wherein the fermented liquid contains extracellular protein secreted from the bacteria of genus Tepidimonas.

The inventors of the present disclosure have sampled the water samples of An-tong hot spring in Hualien County, Taiwan. Then, a novel bacterium of Tepidimonas named Tepidimonas fonticaldi sp. nov. in the water samples was isolated and purified. Extracellular proteins secreted by Tepidimonas fonticaldi sp. nov. have excellent effects for binding metal ions, and are not influenced by environmental conditions, such as high temperature, high pressure, or pH value. Therefore, the extracellular proteins secreted by Tepidimonas fonticaldi sp. nov. can prevent metal salt scaling, especially calcium carbonate, from being formed in boiler equipment, underground pipelines, geothermal wells, industrial wastewater or hard water, to maintain the proper functioning of the machines and reduce operating time and costs.
Bacteria of genus Tepidimonas are bacteria which are gram-negative, strictly aerobic, oxidase- and catalase-positive, rod-shaped and slightly thermophilic bacteria.
However, the growth and self-protein metabolizing rate of bacteria of genus Tepidimonas are slow, and this makes it hard to obtain the protein. Therefore, a novel method of producing extracellular proteins from genus Tepidimonas is needed.

Method for producing extracellular proteins from genus

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE


There is provided an arrangement of components for use in a power line communication system. The arrangement includes a modem for providing an output to a power line, a sensor for sensing a parameter of the output; and a controller for adjusting a power of the output based on a value of the parameter.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to power line communications (PLC), and more particularly, to a configuration of a modem having an optimized output power level over its operating frequency spectrum.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a power line communication (PLC) system, output power of a transmitter in a wideband power line modem is coupled to a power line. The power line has an impedance magnitude characteristic and a phase characteristic that vary widely across a frequency band of the transmitter. The transmitter can be modeled as a Thevenin equivalent circuit having a fixed voltage source and a mainly resistive source impedance. As a result of an impedance mismatch between source and load, signal power coupled to the power line varies widely over the transmitter frequency band.
When the signal power level is limited to a highest level compliant with regulatory limits, the limit is set for a frequency where power coupling and power line radiation efficiency are most efficient. This frequency is referred to herein as fmax-rad.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art modem arrangement with a flat transmitter spectrum. A modem 100 is attached to a power line 120 via a signal coupler 125. A functional internal structure of modem 100 is represented by a modem transmitter signal generator 105, a power control system 110, and a power amplifier 115. Signal generator 105 and power control system 110 may be physically embodied in the same module of hardware and software, but are illustrated here separately for clarity.
Graph 150 shows a simplified variation of electromagnetic radiation intensity for modem 100. Modem power 155 is constant across a frequency band and is limited to Pmax1 160 to prevent radiation intensity 162 from exceeding radiation limit 165 at frequency fmax-rad 170. However, at other frequencies, the coupled power will be lower than that allowed by regulatory limits, and thus, performance of modem 100 is less than optimal.

Controlling power output of a modem for power line communications


In one aspect, an elongate mounting structure is elongated along a longitudinal direction and includes an elongate member having an elongate mounting member and a headrail member above the elongate mounting member. A longitudinal end of the elongate mounting member receives an extension mechanism to mount an architectural covering between two opposing mounting surfaces and the headrail member receives a drive assembly for operating a covering. The elongate mounting structure further includes an overhang part protecting from the elongate main member in a lateral direction, with the overhang part comprising an attaching section for attaching said covering to the overhang part such that the covering can extend substantially vertically in front of the elongate main member.

Application EP18160140.2, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes a mounting unit for mounting an architectural covering in an architectural recess. A headrail for the mounting unit of EP18160140.2 comprises a drive assembly for driving a slatted blind. This headrail has two side plates which can be fastened, e.g., by screws, to respective opposing walls of the architectural recess.
However, the structure of a known headrail can be quite cumbersome. Moreover, it can be quite long and difficult to mount the headrail of EP1801345A1 in the architectural recess. Moreover, a known headrail can necessitate numerous components, which renders expensive the whole headrail.

Elongate mounting structure and mounting unit comprising the same for mounting an architectural covering between opposing mounting surfaces


The present disclosure provides a magnetic medium, a magnetic encoder, and a method for manufacturing a magnetic medium with high reliability that can obtain the sufficient signal output, while reducing the hysteresis error. The magnetic medium is relatively movable with respect to a magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic field in a magnetosensitive face.

Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to a magnetic encoder for detecting a movement direction or movement amount of a moving member, or a rotation angle of a rotary body using a change in magnetism, a magnetic medium used for the magnetic encoder, and a method for manufacturing the same.
Description of the Related Art
Encoders are used in devices/apparatuses that require a precise control of the movement direction, movement amount, rotation angle, or the like.
The encoders are mainly classified into an optical encoder and an electromagnetic induction encoder based on the principle of operation.
The optical encoder is advantageously less likely to be affected by a peripheral magnetic field, but disadvantageously more likely to be contaminated by dust, oil, or the like. On the other hand, the electromagnetic induction encoder can also advantageously be used even under environment with dust or powder dust. Therefore, not the optical encoder, but the electromagnetic induction encoder is suitable for use in vehicle-mounted controllers that are used under an environment with much dust or oil, such as a motor for power, an electric power steering, or various types of valves.
Such a magnetic encoder basically includes a magnetic sensor, and a magnetic medium that relatively moves with respect to the magnetic sensor. The magnetic medium is a bond magnet or sintered body made of ferromagnetic material, such as ferrite. The magnetic medium is magnetized to cause a change in magnetic field in the magnetic sensor.
Normally, a magnetoresistive effect element used in the magnetic encoder detects only a magnetic field in parallel with a magnetosensitive face that can detect the magnetic field. The magnetoresistive effect element has its electric resistance changed according to an angle formed between a magnetosensitive axis and an in-plane component of the external magnetic field in the magnetosensitive face (the face which can sense only a component of the magnetic field which is parallel to the face), and calculates a strength of a leakage magnetic field from the change in electric resistance. The magnetic medium is signal-magnetized in such a manner that N and S are reversed, and when moving the above-mentioned magnetic sensor along a signal-magnetized surface of the thus-obtained magnetic medium, an output from the magnetic sensor follows a sine wave.
Conventionally, the following methods are performed on a magnetic medium for the purpose of fabricating the above-mentioned magnetic encoder using the magnetoresistive effect element that detects the magnetic field in the magnetosensitive face to output the change in electric resistance according to the angle between the magnetosensitive axis and the in-plane component of the external magnetic field in the magnetosensitive face: (I) a method involving only signal magnetization, (II) a method involving applying a bias magnetic field, while performing signal magnetization, and (III) a method involving performing both the bias magnetization and the signal magnetization.

Magnetic medium for magnetic encoder, magnetic encoder and method for manufacturing magnetic medium


The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and process for forming medical devices from an injectable composition. The apparatus includes a supply assembly, a mixing assembly, and at least one source of microwave energy. The supply assembly is configured to maintain and selectively dispense a first precursor functionalized with a first reactive member and a second precursor functionalized with a second reactive member. The mixing assembly is configured to mix the first and second precursors within a mixing cavity defined therein. The microwave energy source is configured and adapted to irradiate the mixed first and second precursors within the mixing cavity.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to crosslinked polymers, and more particularly to the use of click chemistry and microwave technology to form the crosslinked polymers, methods of preparing such polymers, and medical devices made from such polymers.
2. Background of Related Art
Click chemistry refers to a collection of reactions capable of forming a highly reliable molecular connection in solution or bulk state. Click chemistry reactions may be highly selective, high yield reactions which should not interfere with one another as well as other reactions.
Microwave energy may be utilized to assist chemical reactions. Microwave powered reactions may be fast and result in a higher and/or purer yield. Thus, it would be desirable to make an injectable medical device by mixing and dispensing first and second precursors functionalized for crosslinking by click chemistry using microwave technology for placement in situ.

Microwave-powered reactor and method for in situ forming implants


Disclosed is a method for preparing diamino-dicyclohexyl methane (H12MDA) by hydrogenation of diamino-diphenyl methane (MDA). In the process, 4,4′-MDA used as the starting material is firstly hydrogenated to prepare 4,4′-H12MDA. When the activity of the catalyst is reduced, the feed is switched from 4,4′-MDA to the mixture of 2,4′-MDA and 4,4′-MDA, and then when the conversion is stabilized, the feed is switched to 4,4′-MDA again. The deactivated catalyst is activated on line by switching the feed to the mixture of 2,4′-MDA and 4,4′-MDA. 4,4′-H12MDA having the trans-trans isomer content of 16˜24 wt % is produced, and the mixture of 2,4′-H12MDA and 4,4′-H12MDA is also produced, wherein the content of 2,4′-H12MDA in the mixture is 4˜15 wt %.

Diamino-dicyclohexyl methane (H12MDA) comprises isomers such as 4,4′-diamino-dicyclohexyl methane (4,4′-H12MDA), 2,4′-diamino-dicyclohexyl methane (2,4′-H12MDA), 2,2′-diamino-dicyclohexyl methane (2,2′-H12MDA), etc. 4,4′-H12MDA is primarily used for preparing a new generation of high performance anti-aging polyurethane dicyclohexyl methane diisocyanate (H12MDI), which is suitable for preparing lightweight, stable performance of polyurethane coatings and paints. 4,4′-H12MDA is also used as the amine component of the curing agent of epoxy resin and transparent nylon. 4,4′-H12MDA comprises three types, i.e., trans-trans-, trans-cis-, cis-cis-, of isomers, referred simply to as trans-trans-isomer, trans-cis-isomer, cis-cis-isomer correspondingly.
Diamino-diphenyl methane (MDA) comprises isomers such as 4,4′-diamino-diphenyl methane (4,4′-MDA), 2,4′-diamino-diphenyl methane (2,4′-MDA), 2,2′-diamino-diphenyl methane (2,2′-MDA), etc. 4,4′-MDA is very difficult to be hydrogenated due to the stability and the steric hindrance of the aromatic ring. In most of the patents relating to catalytic hydrogenation of 4,4′-MDA, the catalytic reaction is conducted intermittently in a stirred tank reactor or fixed bed reactor at high temperature and high pressure by using a supported noble metal catalyst, in order to obtain a satisfactory yield and a suitable proportion of the trans-trans-isomer.
EP0231788 disclosed an improved batch hydrogenation process of 4,4′-MDA, which prepares 4,4′-H12MDA having the trans-trans-isomer content of 17-24 wt % by using THF solvent and two component catalyst of rhodium and ruthenium at 170-195° C. and 700-1500 psig. Said patent did not provide a technical solution for restoring the catalytic activity by treating the catalyst using a certain technical means when the performance of the catalyst is reduced due to long time use.
The continuous production of 4,4′-H12MDA is also mentioned in patent literatures. US20020198409 disclosed a process for the continuous reduction of 4,4′-MDA, wherein a powdered supported ruthenium catalyst having ruthenium metal content of 1-10% and powder micropore diameter of 5-150 μm is used to catalyze the reaction at the conditions of 130-200° C. and 50-400 bar in the reaction system having water content of less than 1% and alcohols used as the solvent in a series of suspension reactors consisting of continuous bubble columns. When the catalyst activity is decreased, it need to shut down the reaction system to clean the catalyst, which results in rise of the costs and is unfavourable for continuous production.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,594 disclosed a process for reducing 4,4′-MDA or the mixture of 2,4′-MDA, 2,2′-MDA and 4,4′-MDA by continuous hydrogenation, which prepares 4,4′-H12MDA having the trans-trans isomer content of 18.5-23.5 wt % by using a supported ruthenium as the catalyst at 100-190° C. and 50-350 bar in at least one fixed bed reactor, wherein the support has BET specific area of about 70-280 m2/g and average pore diameter of 10-320 Å. After 360 h of run, the yield of H12MDA can still reach 93.7%, but the amount of the feed per hour processed by the catalyst is only 0.04-0.1 Kg MDA/Kg Cat, and it did not mention the method of regenerating the catalyst after deactivation of the catalyst.
In the continuous production of 4,4′-HMDA, the catalytic activity, selectivity and the like are reduced after long term run of the catalyst. The above-said patents did not mention the real-time regeneration of the catalyst during the continuous reaction. U.S. Pat. No. 3,071,551 disclosed a process of regenerating a rhodium catalyst by heating, but the process needs to discharge the catalyst and increase corresponding equipments to achieve the purpose, and thus it is very difficult to implement the process whether for batch mode or continuous mode. U.S. Pat. No. 3,856,862 disclosed a process for regenerating catalyst by a separate regenerating system, wherein the catalyst is regenerated by heating at high temperature in the presence of oxygen used as oxidizing agent in a special tubular reactor. Similarly, the technical solution needs to discharge the catalyst and to provide a special equipment to achieve regeneration of the catalyst.
There are the following drawbacks in the prior art:
1) The catalyst productivity is low, and the amount of the feed processed per hour by the catalyst is only 0.04-0.1 Kg MDA/Kg Cat.
2) When the activity of the catalyst is decreased, it needs to shut down the production system, and a separate equipment is required to regenerate the catalyst, which increases the investment costs and is unfavorable for continuous production.

Method for preparing diamino-dicyclohexyl methane


The recognition rate is improved when recognizing magnetic ink characters. The character recognition unit of a check reader scales and adjusts the waveform of the reference waveform data for each magnetic ink character referenced to a scaling point set in each character, recognizes the read magnetic ink character based on the difference between the reference waveform data after adjustment and the character waveform data, and when there are three peaks exceeding a specific level in the reference waveform data, sets two scaling points F1, F2 in the waveform of the reference waveform data and scales the waveform of the reference waveform data referenced to the two scaling points F1, F2.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a recording media processing device, a method of controlling a recording media processing device, and a storage medium storing a program.
2. Related Art
Recording media processing devices (check readers) that have a magnetic head for reading a magnetic ink character line (MICR line) recorded on checks and similar recording media, read the magnetic ink characters contained in the MICR line of the recording medium conveyed through a conveyance path, and recognize each magnetic ink character are known from the literature. See, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-2004-206362.
Such recording media processing devices identify (read) each character in the MICR line by magnetic ink character recognition, a process of extracting character waveform data in a range corresponding to one magnetic ink character from the signal waveform data obtained by reading the MICR line, and comparing the difference between the extracted character waveform data and reference waveform data defined by a particular standard for the characters to recognize each magnetic ink character.
Due to deviation in the character width of printed magnetic ink characters, or variation in the pitch when conveying the recording medium through the recording media processing device, distortion in the form of stretching or compression can appear in the waveform of the acquired character waveform data. When this happens, the difference between the character waveform data and the reference waveform data increases, and the recognition rate decreases. Methods of stretching or compressing (scaling) part of the waveform of the reference waveform data to reduce the effect of stretching or compression of the character data waveform and enable magnetic ink character recognition are known from the literature. Scaling the waveform of the reference waveform data is done by, for example, setting a scaling point at one point where the change per unit is small between peaks in the waveform of the reference waveform data, and stretching or compressing the waveform on the right side of this scaling point a specific distance in a specific range.
Some magnetic ink characters, however, have three peaks in the waveform of the reference waveform data. These characters also have at least two locations where the change per unit between peaks is small. Depending upon the character, therefore, scaling the waveform of the reference waveform data at only one scaling point may not improve the recognition rate.

Method, device and non-transitory storage medium storing program instructions to recognize magnetic ink characters utilizing reference and input waveform scaling


VCSEL with integrated lens element and method of fabrication including a substrate element, a first stack of distributed Bragg reflectors disposed on a surface of the substrate element, an active region lattice matched to a surface of the first stack of distributed Bragg reflectors, and a second stack of distributed Bragg reflectors lattice matched to a surface of the active region. The active region includes at least one quantum well layer and a plurality of barrier layers. A lens element is integrated with the VCSEL structure being etched directly into an uppermost surface of the second stack of distributed Bragg reflectors or etched into a layer of silicon nitride (SiN) disposed on an uppermost surface of the second stack of distributed Bragg reflectors.

Recently, there has been interest in a new type of light emitting device called a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). Conventional VCSELs have several potential advantages, such as a planar construction, emitting light perpendicular to the surface of the die, and the possibility of array fabrication.
Typically, VCSELs include a first distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), also referred to as a mirror stack, formed on top of a substrate by semiconductor manufacturing techniques, an active region formed on top of the first mirror stack, and a second mirror stack formed on top of the active region. The VCSEL is driven by current forced through the active region, typically achieved by providing a first contact on the reverse side of the substrate and a second contact on top of the second mirror stack.
The use of mirror stacks in VCSELs is well established in the art. Typically, mirror stacks are formed of multiple pairs of layers often referred to as mirror pairs. The pairs of layers are formed of a material system generally consisting of two materials having different indices of refraction and being easily lattice matched to the other portions of the VCSEL. For example, a GaAs based VCSEL typically uses an Al.sub.x1 Ga.sub.1-x1 As.backslash.Al.sub.x2 Ga.sub.1-x2 As material system wherein the different refractive index of each layer of a pair is achieved by altering the aluminum content x1 and x2 in the layers, more particularly the aluminum content x1 ranges from 0% to 50% and the aluminum content of x2 ranges from 50% to 100%. In conventional devices, the number of mirror pairs per stack may range from 20-40 pairs to achieve a high percentage of reflectivity, depending on the difference between the refractive indices of the layers. The large number of pairs increases the percentage of reflected light.
One application for VCSELs that is becoming quite common is in the optical communication field where optical fibers are utilized. In utilizing optical fibers for communications, it is desired to have the highest possible coupling efficiency between the light source(s) and the fibers. In free space optical communications it is desired to collimate the beam of light emitted by the light source(s). When a conventional VCSEL is utilized as the light source, an external lens or lens array is used to either focus an emitted beam of light into the fibers, or collimate the beam into the receivers directly in the free space. This external lens or lens array is often quite bulky and does not lend itself to a small overall package size.
In an effort to reduce the size of the package and the cost of manufacture, is has been suggested to use the VCSEL substrate as a lens using photolithography etching methods. This technique works for lasers of 980 nm or longer in that when formed on a transparent GaAs substrate, the substrate does not absorb the laser emission, thus the light is emitted through the lens formed on the GaAs substrate. When a VCSEL of 850 nm or shorter is utilized, the VCSEL emits in an upward direction, opposite the substrate element, and does not pass therethrough the GaAs substrate. This upward emission is a requirement in that the GaAs substrate is absorptive to light in a wavelength of 850 nm or shorter.
Therefore, it can be readily be seen that a conventional VCSEL that has integrated as a part thereof a lens element formed on a substrate element cannot be utilized in a VCSEL that emits light of 850 nm or less. Thus, there is a need for developing a reliable, stable and cost effective vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), that includes an integrated lens element for VCSELs that emit light of a short wavelength, more particularly light having a wavelength of 880 nm or less.
It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved VCSEL with integrated lens element for use in short wavelength VCSEL applications.
Another object of the invention is to provide a reliable VCSEL with integrated lens element for optical communications applications.
And another object of the immediate invention is to provide for a VCSEL with integrated lens element that provides for beam focusing or beam collimation of short wavelength emitted light.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide for a highly manufacturable VCSEL with an integrated lens element.

Vertical cavity surface emitting laser with integrated diffractive lens and method of fabrication


Systems and methods described herein provide for determining alternative names for a target name. A plurality of candidate alternative names is retrieved. For example, if the target name is “bush”, the candidate alternative names may include “George W. Bush”, “George H. W. Bush”, “Jeb Bush”, “Bush, Illinois (location)”, and “Bush (plant)”. A plurality of information sources associated with the target name are identified (e.g., documents, media assets or other information associated with “bush”). A first value and a second value are computed for a first candidate name (e.g., “George W. Bush”) and second candidate name (“George H. W. Bush”), respectively, based on how many of the identified information sources refer to the first and second candidate names, respectively. In response to determining that the first value exceeds the second value, the first candidate name, instead of the second candidate name, is assigned as an alternative name for the target name.

Objects are often referenced by multiple alternative names. For example, a person may be referred to by birth name, last name, first name, nick name, celebrity name, pen name, etc. Additionally, the same name may be associated with multiple different objects. For example, the name "bush" may refer to the person "George W. Bush", the "bush" plant, the city "Bush, Illinois", the product "Bush" beer, etc. As such, the lack of one-to-one correspondence between name and object makes object identification more difficult, adding a layer of complexity to searching and classification schemes. Some conventional systems address this identification problem by relying on the user to choose the best match from a list of potential alternative names. However, due to their reliance on user input, such systems lack intelligence to automate the selection of the strongest alternative name.

Systems and methods for determining alternative names


This invention is directed a method for producing an ultra-high purity semiconductor gas such as ammonia gas. The method includes the steps of directing an ammonia fluid having a liquid phase moisture content that is less than about 500 parts per million through an evaporation means, to produce purified vapor phase ammonia, and directing the purified vapor phase ammonia through an adsorption means to remove impurities therein and produce ultra-high purity ammonia gas.

Ammonia is used as a source gas in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of nitride films during the fabrication of semiconductor chips. Typical nitrides are silicon nitride, made by the reaction of silane and ammonia and titanium nitride, made by the reaction of titanium tetrachloride and ammonia. The presence of one to three thousand parts per billion (ppb) levels of moisture vapor from ammonia cylinders will result in a decrease of the performance properties of the nitride layer. Recently, new gallium nitride CVD technology has been shown to require even lower levels of moisture in the source ammonia than silicon and titanium nitride technology. The level of moisture must be reduced to below 200 parts per billion (ppb) to avoid performance problems.
Ammonia is currently supplied to electronics customers in cylinders with a specification of less than 3 parts per million (ppm) moisture. This "high" value of moisture was actually due to the past limitations of analytical technology and not the actual attainable levels. Because of this limitation, purification efforts could not be accurately certified.
To achieve 3 ppm or less moisture, higher moisture content ammonia from the source cylinder was transfilled in the vapor phase to the designated cylinder. This treatment was found to be sufficient to remove moisture levels down to the 3 ppm specification. However, it was found that a simple vapor phase transfill was not sufficient to reach ppb levels of moisture.
Commercially available point of use in-line purifiers can be used to guarantee moisture levels lower than 3 ppm. These purifiers use a lithium based resin to remove moisture from ammonia or a zirconium-iron catalyst to remove moisture. Recent analytical technologies have shown that these purifiers will remove moisture to ppb levels. These purifiers are very expensive (3 to 5 thousand dollars) and have limited moisture capacity. They are not regenerable and must be replaced when spent. Because of these limitations, point of use in-line purifiers can not be used for large-scale purification, on the order of thousands of pounds per day.
It would be desirable in the art to provide an economical method for purifying semiconductor gases of low moisture level (less than about 200 ppb).

Method for purifying semiconductor gases