A motion control system comprises a power module, a plurality of servo motors, a servo control module, a motion control module and a microprocessor; the power module controls the working power supply output by the alternating-current power supply; the plurality of servo motors converts current signal of the output current flowing to an encoder output signal; the servo control module converts the encoder output signal into a first logic control signal; the microprocessor converts the first logic control signal into a third control signal and controls the servo control module to adjust the power module, which changes the working power supply output by the alternating-current power supply so as to drive servo motors. The invention provides a motion control system which integrates motion controller and supports multi-axis alternating-current servo driver to realize automatic control of the servo driver and improve control precision of the servo driver.

At present, motion control of numerical control equipment and industrial robot on the market generally implements multi-axis linear or joint motion through a plurality of alternating-current servo drivers and the same number of servo motors. In addition, automatic control is realized by a multi-axis motion controller. According to the control method, the brands of the motion controller and the alternating-current servo drivers are different so that the performance parameter settings of the motion controller located on the upper computer and the alternating-current servo driver on the lower computer are inconsistent, which leads to large difference in the motion precision of the equipment, and brings inexplicable trouble to the user.

GUANGDONG POLYTECHNIC OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE


Methods for updating the PF soot load of an engine are provided herein. In one example, a soot storage estimate is based on processing operations that occur at different timings. The method can improve soot estimation during some conditions.

A particulate filter (PF) may be used to reduce particulate matter emissions in engines, such as diesel engines. The PF may be periodically regenerated to remove accumulated particulate matter. The regeneration may be achieved by raising the temperature of the PF to a predetermined level to oxidize the accumulated particulate matter.
Timing of the PF regeneration may affect the operational life of the PF since regeneration of a PF overloaded with particulate matter may generate overly high temperatures and potentially degrade the PF ceramics due to overheating. On the other hand, too frequent regeneration may result in reduced fuel economy, as energy is used to raise the exhaust temperature. Further, too frequent regeneration may result dilution of engine lubricating oil, thereby causing increased warranty due to higher component wear.
Timing of the regeneration of PF particulate matter may be provided based on estimates of soot load, or based on differential pressure measurements across the filter, for example, along with monitoring of other parameters such as temperature.
The inventors herein have recognized various issues with such approaches. In particular, pressure-based measurements may be too inaccurate at low exhaust volume flows due to degraded accuracy of sensors at the limits of their operating range. In addition, pressure-based measurements may be too inaccurate during transient conditions due to high time constants of the sensors and unsteady fluid dynamics in the exhaust system.
To at least partially address the above mentioned issues, the inventors herein provide various systems and methods for updating the PF soot load of an engine. In one embodiment, the method may include performing regeneration in response to both pressure-based measurements as well as estimated soot loading independent of the pressure-based measurements, where during conditions in which the pressure-based measurements may be inaccurate, the soot load is estimated based on operating conditions and previous pressure-based measurements that occurred during previous conditions in which the pressure-based measurements are more accurate. In this way, more continuous monitoring of particulate filter loading is provided, while taking advantage of pressure-based measurements from the most recent accurate reading, for example, and operating conditions that have transpired since such reading, including transient conditions. Thus, more appropriately timed regeneration may be provided.

Determination of diesel particulate filter load under both transient and steady state drive cycles


A compact zoom lens system has a zoom ratio of about 3.5 or more, an angle of view of 29° or more in a wide-angle end, and a vibration reduction function. The system includes, in order from an object, a first group having positive power, a second group having negative power, and a third group having positive power. Upon zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end, a distance between the first and second groups increases, and a distance between the second and third groups decreases. The third group consists of, in order from the object, a 31 group having positive power, a 32 group having negative power, and a 33 group. Only the 32 group is moved perpendicularly to an optical axis for correcting image blur due to camera shake.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a zoom lens system suitable for a single-lens reflex camera using a film or a solid-state imaging device.
2. Related Background Art
There have been proposed zoom lens systems having a vibration reduction function with a zoom ratio of about four in such as Japanese Paten Application Laid-Open Nos. 8-62541 and 10-133114.
Examples disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-62541 are a positive-negative-positive-positive-negative five-lens-group zoom lens system or a positive-negative-positive-negative-positive-negative six-lens-group zoom lens system, in which a second lens group with negative refractive power is moved for vibration reduction.
An example disclosed in Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open No. 10-133114 is a positive-negative-negative-positive-negative five-lens-group zoom lens system in which a portion of a fourth lens group with positive refractive power is moved for vibration reduction.
However, in any one of disclosed examples, an effective diameter of a vibration reduction lens group is large about 25 mm or more, so that a vibration reduction mechanism becomes large. Accordingly, it becomes difficult to make the zoom lens system small. Moreover, the number of lens groups of a zoom lens system is five or more, so that a zooming mechanism becomes complicated.

Zoom lens system with vibration reduction function


A baking pan assembly comprising a pan grid including a plurality of pan rows and pan columns that each contain at least one circular pan useful for baking doughnuts, and a low fat baking dough composition.

(1) Field of the Invention
This invention is a dough useful for preparing low calorie doughnuts by baking. This invention is also a baking pan assembly including a plurality of circular pans that can be filled with the low calorie low fat dough and placed in an oven in order to prepare baked low calorie low fat doughnuts.
(2) Description of the Art
A number of prior art references disclose doughs, batters, and cooked products that are low in fat or fat free. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,403,610 and 5,133,984 disclose a process for preparing baked goods containing fibers and hydrocolloids. Specifically, the '610 patent describes doughs and batters that incorporate hydrated polysaccharide hydrocolloid and insoluble fiber in various ratios that are useful in fat free baked goods.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,633 discloses a bakery dough comprising a fat substitute. The fat substitute is a hydrocolloid fat substitute that is present in the dough composition in amounts sufficient to give a dough having a total fat content less than 15% based upon the weight of the flour used in the dough. The reduced fat dough is useful to formulate cookies and other bakery products.
This invention is also a baking pan for preparing baked doughnuts. Pans for baking doughnuts are disclosed in the prior art. One group of pans are designed like a waffle iron including a top and bottom clam-shell construction. Such pans are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,175,483 and 1,663,791.
Another clam-shell type baking pan is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,727,875 which describes a baking pan including a top and a bottom that unite to form an enclosed baking surface. When a baking dough is placed in the baking pan and the top and bottom are clamped together, the baked doughnut product conforms to the shape of both the top and the bottom pan portions.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,831,507 discloses a baking pan assembly for preparing a sandwich bun. The pan assembly includes three parts. The parts combine to produce a hollow sandwich bun that is essentially the negative of a doughnut shape.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,476,910 discloses a cake pan having a lid. The pan includes a flat surface including a plurality of cake pan depressions therein. The pans have a center flattened projection that abuts the center of the cake pan. The cake manufactured by the pan includes a partial bottom depression and a flat top.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,638,583, 2,097,356, and 1,900,290 disclose pans for manufacturing doughnuts. Each pan disclosed includes a flat plate with a plurality of depressions or wells for containing doughnut dough. Furthermore, each depression includes a center column that has a conical or dome shaped cap.

Baking pan assembly for preparing donuts


Increased efficiency in booting a computer uses a process of logging physical-level disk access during a boot cycle for use in creating a boot plan for a subsequent boot. Processing the log from one or more previous boots removes unnecessary reads such as those associated with temporary files and then orders the remaining read accesses based on times of prior read accesses and and by physical location on the disk. Upon boot, data likely to be requested first orders the remaining read accesses based on times of prior read accesses and By taking advantage of disk head and platter characteristics, data is read in sweeps through the disk, reducing overall latency. Requests that are not in cache may be held if the data is already scheduled for retrieval.

The process of booting a computer often involves starting dozens if not hundreds of individual services and applications. Virtually all of the services and applications access data stored in nonvolatile memory, such as a disk drive. As each of the services and applications being started requests its associated data, the nonvolatile memory, particularly a disk drive, becomes input-output bound and cannot service the requests at the rate the requests arrive. Those familiar with computers, especially personal computers, may have noted the indicator light associated with disk activity remains on almost continuously during a boot cycle. This is evidence of the boot process being disk I/O bound. The result is lengthy boot times that only increase as more services are added, causing increasing frustration on the part of a user waiting to use the computer.
One attempt at improving boot time monitored disk access at a high level to create a log of logical file accesses, that is, files by name that were used in the boot process. These files were loaded at boot time and cached for retrieval by a foreground process that may subsequently request information contained in the file. However, this technique provided only limited improvement because entire files were retrieved, potentially from different areas of the disk, when only a portion of the file might be required. Further, no consideration was given to the physical location of the file on the desk. Retrieving more data than was required, particularly in light of the potential increase in disk access time, placed a limit on an overall reduction in boot time.


A melting furnace for reforming steel-making slag so as to be available, for example, to roadbed ballast by mixing steel-making dust with the slag in molten states, which is provided with a fuel oxygen burner for melting the slag and the dust, a slag charging port for charging the slag in molten state into the furnace, a dust feeder for supplying the dust into the furnace, a slag feeder for supplying the slag in powdered state into the furnace, a storage portion for storing a molten mixture of the slag and the dust in a quantity corresponding to a tilting angle of the furnace body and an outlet port for discharging the molten mixture, and is possible to dispose the slag efficiently whether the slag is in the powdered or molten state.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and a furnace for disposal of steel-making waste such as dust caught by dust collecting equipment and slag (especially, slag containing CaO in a large quantity such as reducing slag, which will be described later), and an operating method for running the furnace very efficiently.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the steel making by using an electric furnace or the like, dust generated from the furnace has been collected by equipping the dust collecting equipment in order to prevent air pollution.
The dust, that is steel-making waste is fine (1-5 .mu.m, for example) powder and contains FeO, Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 (approximately 60%) and ZnO (approximately 15%), nevertheless it is difficult to be recycled, therefore it is the fact that the dust has been discarded without any treatment up to now.
In the steel making through the electric furnace, for example, oxidizing slag and reducing slag are exhausted as steel-making waste according to progression of steel refining.
Among them, the oxidizing slag, which is produced in an oxidizing period of steel making and exhausted after the oxidizing period, has been utilized as materials for road construction such as roadbed ballast of asphalt-surfaced roads and the like, however the reducing slag, which is produced in a reducing period and exhausted after the reducing period in the steel making, has no use in particular and has been discarded as it is.
Namely, the reducing slag contains free CaO in a large quantity as a chemical component, the free CaO changes into Ca(OH).sub.2 and expands cubically by absorbing water. Therefore, the reducing slag is not possible to be applied for the roadbed materials or so as it is, and has been discarded without being recycled.
In discarding the dust and the reducing slag, it is required to go to the expense of abandonment. Therefore, there is a problem since the abandonment of the steel-making waste of this kind causes an increase in the cost of steel making.

Method and furnace for disposal of steel-making waste, and operating method of the furnace


The present disclosure provides a semiconductor test method. The semiconductor test method includes the operations of: receiving a source code written in an interpreted language; and performing, by a first test apparatus, a first test on a device under test (DUT) based on the source code. The operation of performing, by the first test apparatus, the first test on the DUT based on the source code includes the operations of: interpreting, by a processor, the source code to generate a first interpreted code; and performing the first test on the DUT according to the first interpreted code. The first test apparatus is configured to execute the first interpreted code written in a first language.

In the semiconductor industry, many characteristics of a semiconductor product needs to be test by many test devices. As time goes on, more and more kinds of test devices are built for testing the same characteristic of the semiconductor product. In general, a company may purchase several test devices to test the same characteristic of the semiconductor product in order to increase the throughput. However, the company may also purchase different kinds of test devices to test the said characteristic.
Different kinds of test devices use different program languages to execute the test function. In other word, each test device has its own compiler to compile the source code. When the test function is going to be updated, the source codes associated the test function for every test devices are modified separately. However, modifying the source code is time-consuming and easy to make mistake. Therefore, increasing the efficiency of maintaining the source code for testing the semiconductor product becomes a critical issue in this field.
This Discussion of the Background section is provided for background information only. The statements in this Discussion of the Background are not an admission that the subject matter disclosed in this section constitutes prior art to the present disclosure, and no part of this Discussion of the Background section may be used as an admission that any part of this application, including this Discussion of the Background section, constitutes prior art to the present disclosure.


A furnace control system for controlling a gas-fired induced-draft furnace having a variable speed inducer blower. A control apparatus, responsive to a signal corresponding to the magnitude of a pressure difference between an inlet and outlet of the combustion chamber, controls blower motor speed to maintain the pressure difference at a predetermined magnitude corresponding to a selected gas flow rate. Inducer blower motor speed is varied directly and precisely to maintain an optimal pressure drop across the combustion chamber. The control system can be used in multi-stage and modulating furnace systems and in furnace systems utilizing pressure- assist modulating gas values.

In an induced-draft gas furnace, a gas valve typically establishes the flow of gas into a combustion chamber while a motor-controlled blower induces air and combustion gases through the combustion chamber. Variable draft-induced gas furnaces are generally of two types: multi-stage systems and modulating systems. In a typical multi-stage system, the blower motor has several fixed speeds and the gas valve has several fixed outlet pressures. When the user of a multi-stage system selects a thermostat setting, the system signals the gas valve to supply gas to the combustion chamber at a fixed rate corresponding to the selected thermostat setting. The system also signals the blower motor to induce a draft through the combustion chamber at a fixed rate corresponding to the gas flow rate.
A multi-stage system typically changes blower speeds based on input from one or more pressure switches. Such a switch can be triggered to switch on or off when pressure to or from the inducer blower exceeds or goes below a predetermined pressure value. However, other than indicating that a specific switch trigger pressure has been reached, a pressure switch does not provide the multi-stage system with information as to actual magnitudes of blower pressure on either side of the trigger value. Thus a multi-stage system can operate only at a few preset combinations of gas valve pressure and inducer blower speed. Operation may change from one to another of these combinations based on an imprecise gauge of blower pressure.
Modulating systems typically utilize variable-speed blower motors and electronically modulating gas valves. Modulating systems vary the gas valve outlet pressure by varying an electronic signal to the gas valve. Thus a modulating system can provide more precise control over gas flow than possible in a conventional multi-stage system. Another electronic signal that varies proportionately with the signal to the gas valve is used to vary the blower motor speed. Like multi-stage systems, modulating systems typically vary combustion levels based on trigger values for several pressure switches, but otherwise cannot sense inducer blower pressure levels. Thus, even though the speed of an inducer blower motor can be modulated, blower motor speed is varied imprecisely and indirectly. Such imprecise adjustments to air pressure and gas input to the combustion chamber do not always provide optimal air-to-gas ratios for combustion.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Apparatus and methods for variable furnace control


Selectable portions of a display on a display screen allow a user to select bits of a digital signal. A mode selection menu changes the bit selection to select bits in different ways. If an individual bit designation mode is selected, objects are displayed that correspond to the respective bits of the digital signal. A user selects the object corresponding to a desired bit by use of a mouse. After bit selection, an eye pattern, derived from only selected bits, is displayed. Additionally, jitter analysis results derived from only the selected bits are displayed.

A digital signal is a modified signal based on "1" and "0" data to be transferred and may be a square wave signal for example. FIG. 1 is an example of one bit of a digital signal using a square wave (i.e., a rectangular pulse) signal, as known from the prior art. If a propagation path between sender and receiver circuits is ideal, then the waveform of the square wave signal does not change after propagation and exhibits an ideal waveform shape, shown as a dotted line. The digital signal that is sent represents data of one or more bits depending upon which particular modulation method was used to determine its symbol interval. The receiver demodulates "1" and "0" data by detecting values (i.e., levels) of the square wave signal at every symbol interval T.
An actual transferred digital signal usually has distortions relative to the ideal waveform depending upon characteristics of the propagation path or the rate of the signal. That is, although the information that the digital signal transfers is digital data of "1's" and "0's", the signal itself is an analog signal. Therefore, a waveform display apparatus (e.g., a test and measurement instrument), such as a digital oscilloscope, real time spectrum analyzer, logic analyzer, or the like, that can sample and store an input signal as digital waveform data is used to display an eye pattern or measure characteristics of jitter exhibited by the input signal.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an example of a waveform display apparatus, such as a digital oscilloscope, as known from the prior art. A digital signal as a signal under test is provided to a pre-amplifier ATT 10 to adjust the amplitude properly. An analog to digital converter ADC 12 samples the digital signal at an interval that is sufficiently shorter than the symbol interval T to convert the digital signal into digital data in the time domain. A plot of the digital data along a time axis provides a waveform display. The digital data is stored in a memory 14 and then a DSP (digital signal processor) 16 develops the digital data into image data suitable for display of eye patterns described below. The image data are read from memory 14 and displayed as waveforms on a display 18 having a display screen such as a LCD. The DSP 16 also produces spectrum data, necessary for jitter analysis, by FFT calculations performed on the time domain digital data.
A CPU (not shown) controls the waveform display apparatus and a user can enter necessary settings into the waveform display apparatus via an operation panel or mouse. OS (operation software) that is also used in a PC is installed into a large memory storage means, such as an HDD (i.e., hard drive). Many kinds of application software are installed on the OS and opened as software windows to execute various functions. Memory 14 may be realized by RAM or the HDD.
FIG. 3 is an example of displaying an eye pattern of the digital signal using the waveform display apparatus, as known from the prior art. In this case, the digital signal may be a 32-bit signal transferred as packets and the eye pattern is a repetitive overlaid display of waveforms of the bits. In the eye pattern display, larger distortion in the waveforms leads to a displayed eye area that is smaller than normal or the eye diagram may exhibit a larger difference in shape from the ideal shape. Therefore, shape or area of the eye are measured to measure quality of the digital signal. U.S. Pat. No. 6,806,877 discloses such an invention, for example.
Eye pattern presentations typically show frequency of signal occurrences as a histogram using, for example, seven colors of the spectrum. That is, a color which is closer to red means a higher frequency of occurrences of the signal at a given pixel and a color closer to violet means a lower frequency of occurrences of the signal at a given pixel. The eye diagram is also called an eye pattern.
When measuring the quality of a digital signal, the jitter of rising and failing edges is often analyzed and the results displayed as well-know graphs, in addition to displaying an eye pattern. For example, FIG. 4 is a time trend display of jitter, having time as the horizontal axis and jitter magnitude as the vertical axis, as known from the prior art. A time trend display shows how the magnitude of the jitter changes according to time variation. FIG. 5 is a histogram showing jitter frequency, as known from the prior art. The horizontal axis is divided into "bins", wherein each "bin" represents a deviation in time (either plus or minus) from a center location of zero deviation. The vertical axis indicates the frequency of occurrences (i.e., hits) in any one bin. If the jitter is caused by heat in the device under test, then the histogram draws a Gaussian curve that has the peak around jitter quantity zero. But if the jitter is dependent upon patterns of 0's and 1's it can be a histogram as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, such DSP capability provides statistical data for jitter frequency analysis, such as jitter spectrum and Max/Min numeric values, as graphs or numeric values.
In a conventional eye pattern of a waveform comprising 32 bits, a waveform for each of the 32 bits is drawn (i.e., displayed) such that all 32 waveforms are overlaid. Currently, there is no way to display only those eye pattern or a graph of jitter analysis results that reflect specific bits that may be of interest to a user.
What is desired is a waveform display apparatus and method that can display eye pattern or jitter analysis results relating to specific selected portions of a waveform.

Digital signal analysis program and waveform display apparatus


Disclosed are a testing device and a testing method thereof. The testing device includes a frame, a flexible multi-layer substrate and at least one electrical testing point. The frame is positioned corresponding to a chip. At least one electrical connecting point is formed on a surface of the chip. The flexible multi-layer substrate is fixed in the frame. The electrical testing point is corresponding to the electrical connecting point and formed on an upper surface of the flexible multi-layer substrate for contacting the electrical connecting point and performing an electrical test to the chip. Furthermore, the electrical connecting point or the electrical testing point is a bump.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a testing substrate and a testing method thereof, and more particularly to a testing substrate for fine pitch wafer level tests and a testing method thereof.
2. Description of Prior Art
With rapid development of integration of integrated circuit (IC) technologies, relevant package technologies have reached an unprecedented and innovative level than ever. In numerous innovative package technologies, a wafer level package (WLP) or a chip scale package (CSP) is a type of IC chip package and is also the most representative skill which is considered as a revolutionary skill. After the wafer level packages, the sizes of IC chips are almost the same as original sizes of dies. Therefore, it is also well known as a wafer level chip scale package (WLCSP) in industry. Regardless of the WLP which is packaged on the wafer or packages of other forms, numbers of solder balls and bumps of one IC chip to be tested is increasing and sizes are small. Distances among the soldering balls and the bumps are decreased (fine pitch) for meeting design trends of miniaturization of electronic products. Current probing technologies utilized in the wafer level comprise cantilever probe cards and vertical probe cards. In order to match with the increasing numbers of the solder balls and the bumps, the small sizes and the fine pitch requirements, a number of probes is required to be increased and probe spacing between the probes should be decreased. Material of the probes comprises tungsten (W), beryllium copper (BeCu), palladium alloy and so on. Regardless of the probe cards are the cantilever probe cards or the vertical probe cards, the probing technologies faces difficulties and disadvantages due to the small sizes of the soldering balls and the bumps.
Firstly, in the probing technologies, the probes have to destroy oxidation layers on the soldering balls and the bumps for forming probe marks on surfaces of pads, thereby achieving a requirement of contact resistance in electrical tests. However, it is difficult not to destroy structures of the soldering balls and the bumps. The probe marks must occur for ensuing that the probes of one probe card contact the pads. Furthermore, it can be understood by observing the probe marks that when the probe marks are small, the electrical tests fail due to poor contact. When the probe marks are large, the surfaces of the pads are destroyed and gaps are formed in bonding surfaces, such that poor bonding occurs in the following bonding processes. Even more seriously, oxidation is formed after the surfaces of the pads are destroyed, and thus the bonding surfaces are oxidized and bonding strength is decreased.
Accordingly, although the material and the structure of the probes are improved in the current industry, this is a basic and main subject in the semiconductor testing industry. When the soldering balls and the bumps are getting smaller and smaller, a rate of destroying portion is increased. In order to ensure a yield rate after the electrical tests, additional optical inspection machines and processes are required for examining the tested products. As a result, burden and cost are increased.
Furthermore, the soldering balls and the bumps are not similar to the pads which are flat. After miniaturization, the structures do not have enough flat surfaces. It is impossible to test the soldering balls and the bumps by the probes. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop a testing device and a testing method thereof for a wafer level and fine-pitch test.

Testing device and testing method thereof


The apparatus and method of the present invention provides a gaming device having a separately changeable value and multiplier bonus scheme. The bonus scheme begins when a triggering event occurs during normal operation of the gaming device. Initially, the game displays a value and a multiplier to the player, which form an offer. The game enables the player to keep the offer or change either the value or the multiplier. If the player changes either, the game changes the value or multiplier selected by the player, and yields a new offer. In the preferred embodiment of the bonus scheme, the player can keep the new offer or change the value or multiplier and obtain a final new offer. After the player can no longer change the value or multiplier or if at any time the player keeps an offer, the bonus scheme ends by adding the amount of the offer to the player's gaming device credit, and the player resumes normal play.

Gaming machines currently exist with bonus schemes in which the player has two or more opportunities to completely accept or reject an offered bonus value. With each offer (prior to the last offer), if the player accepts the offered bonus value, the player is credited with the value. If the player rejects the offered bonus value, the player is provided with another offer which the player can completely accept or reject. Each subsequent offer may be higher, lower or equal to the previous offers. If the offer is the final offer, the player is awarded the final offer.
One such game having a bonus scheme for allowing players to accept or decline multiple award offers is named TOP DOLLAR™ which is manufactured and distributed by International Game Technology, the assignee of this application. The player plays the primary game until reaching the bonus round. The bonus credit or amount which is ultimately awarded to the player depends upon certain values generated by the bonus scheme and the player's selection of those values.
Specifically, the TOP DOLLAR™ game bonus round includes a screen showing multiple dollar bill images. The images include varying numeric values such as "5 coins," "20 coins," "50 coins," and "100 coins." The bonus round provides the player with three offers and a final award. The game illuminates one or more particular images corresponding to each offer made. The offer amount is equal to the sum of the numeric values appearing on the illuminated images.
When an offer is given, the player may completely accept or reject it by pushing an accept button or indicator or a reject button or indicator, respectively. If the player accepts an offer, the player receives the accepted bonus amount and the bonus round terminates. If the player declines an offer, the game generates another offer for the player. If the player declines all three offers, the game generates a final award and the bonus round terminates. No matter how the bonus round terminates, the player will receive an award, the amount depending upon the particular offer and the player's selection of such offer.

Gaming device having separately changeable value and modifier bonus scheme


A ceramic product comprising both carbon and nitrogen and a method for its production are provided. The product is formed in a reactor having a chamber defined therein which is divided into a combustion zone and a reaction zone. A combustible mixture is injected into the combustion zone in a direction generally toward the reaction zone, and is accordingly combusted in the combustion zone to produce hot combustion products. At least one reactant containing carbon, nitrogen and an additional component (i.e. silicon) is injected at the boundary between the zones into the reactor chamber so as to flow with the hot combustion products into the reaction zone and react to form the ceramic product.

This invention relates to a ceramic product containing both carbon and nitrogen, and a method for producing such a ceramic product.
Ceramic powders, such as carbon-containing carbides and nitrogen-containing nitrides, exhibit properties which make them particularly useful in the fabrication of highly stressed, wear resistant parts. For example, silicon carbide is noted for its excellent oxidation resistance, whereas silicon nitride is noted for its high strength. Because of such different, yet desirable properties, some efforts have been made to produce "composite" materials for the purpose of combining such desirable properties in a single ceramic powder. Although ceramic powders containing both carbon and nitrogen, such as admixtures of a carbide and nitride, have been produced with some succes, further development in the form of novel product powders and methods for producing such product powders would be desirable.

Production of silicon product containing both carbon and nitrogen


A buoyancy compensator jacket for a scuba diver is disclosed. The jacket comprises a back portion having two opposite sides. Side portions extending from the opposite sides are provided for laterally enveloping the diver's trunk and for connecting to one another generally on the diver's chest. Each of the side portions include a main pocket and a weight pocket, the weight pocket having a top opening, being arranged externally relative to the main pocket, and accommodating a bag containing weight elements. A closure element is also provided for closing the top opening of the weight pocket. In addition, the main pocket forms a compartment for concealing a closure element of its top opening. On the outside of the weight pocket, engagement elements are arranged either for engaging complementary engagement elements on the closure element, or for engaging complementary engagement elements associated with the weight-containing bag for holding the bag in a selected position within the weight pocket.

Scuba divers and others who engage in underwater locomotion experience forces of buoyancy that can effect the ease with which they move about. To control or counter these forces, specialized jackets with one or more air chambers are commonly used for underwater buoyancy compensation. Typically, these jackets are inflated either by mouth or using an inflation device operated by compressed gas, and deflated in order to provide buoyancy trim and/or compensation to the diver as he or she moves about.
An objective of these jackets is to maintain the buoyancy of the diver in a substantially neutral state as his/her depth varies, thereby assuring that he/she will be able to move with utmost ease in any direction. Generally speaking, as the diver dives deeper, the increase in water pressure not only tends to compress some of the diver's body cavities, but also his or her wet suit and the diving equipment associated therewith. In this manner, the inherent lifting characteristics will decrease, making the ascension movements harder. Such decrease may be compensated for by progressive inflation of the jacket. Conversely, as the diver ascends to the surface, his/her inherent buoyancy will increase and the jacket must, therefore, be gradually deflated in order to maintain overall buoyancy at a substantially neutral level.
Weight belts are traditionally used to assist the diver in neutralizing his or her buoyancy. These belts are usually provided with quick-release buckles that enable the diver, in the event of an emergency, to readily free himself or herself of the additional weight, thereby assisting his or her return to the surface. Recently, more and more, at least a part of the weight has been incorporated in buoyancy jackets. This is not only because weight belts have been found uncomfortable to wear, but also because they are frequently an obstacle to the diver's movements. Due to safety considerations, the diver must be able to free himself or herself of the weight quickly and easily.
A buoyancy compensator jacket suitable for incorporating weights is described in Italian Utility Model No. 244660 to the present applicant. In particular, weight elements are placed in pockets formed in side portions of the jacket. Each pocket is arranged in proximity to a back portion of the jacket and has a substantially tubular shape, with a top opening for introdu-cing the weight elements into the pocket and a bottom opening for allowing them to drop therefrom. Respective closure elements, in turn, are associated with the ope-nings. Closure of the bottom openings is accomplished using quick-release buckles.
Although this arrangement has been found effective, not only are the benefits of additional functions desired, but also enhancement of aesthetic appearance, without sacrificing efficacy or production costs.

Buoyancy compensator jacket for scuba divers with improved weight pockets


A system identifies transmission routes between a user and a desired destination site on a wide area communications network, such as the Internet. The system then detects transit characteristics for each of the transmission routes. A user can request the level of activity on the routes. Thus, the user can be apprised of the existence of possible congestion in any attempt to access the desired destination site.

The present invention provides information to a user about network traffic to selected sites on the Internet. In particular, the present invention is directed to providing a service by which users of the Internet can be apprised of potential congestion from various Internet access points to web sites of interest.
The Internet has become a powerful tool that provides its users with tremendous capabilities to search for and obtain desired pieces of information. As known in the art, the Internet sometimes referred to as a "wide area network" is a network of interconnected networks. As more and more users have found benefits on the Internet, more and more information points have also been provided, typically in the form of web sites. These sites provide the user with different types of information. Some of these sites are exceptionally popular and are in high demand for access. As a consequence, those sites can be heavily burdened at various times during the day.
In addition, a business of providing Internet access has developed. There are many access providers that provide their subscribers with one or more entry points into the Internet. An example of this is shown in FIG. I where a user 101 is connected to an Internet access provider 102 which in turn provides the user with a pathway to the Internet 103. As a consequence, the user can communicate with the web site 104, (105).
Once a subscriber has entered the Internet and desires to be in communication with a given site, the subscriber must be routed to that site. All routing typically takes place via multiple intermediate points also known as routers. An example of such a construction is illustrated in FIG. 2.
An Internet access provider 202 has two access points into the Internet, 202A and 202B. A subscriber to this provider may be interested in communicating with web site 210. The subscriber may be routed to the desired web site in any number of ways. For example, the subscriber may be routed from entry point 202A to node A (also known as a router) in the Internet. One or more nodes can be associated with one of the multiple data communications networks that form the Internet. Then the subscriber could be routed to node C, node D and ultimately to the desired web site. Each node has the intelligence to be able to select what it perceives to be the most efficient way to transfer the subscriber from that node to its ultimate destination. That intelligence is somewhat limited. Typically the routing decisions are not based on actual load conditions since this would involve extremely complex calculations. Instead the decisions may be based on knowledge of network topology, e.g., disabled routers, lines coming up or going down. The subscriber in question could alternatively be routed from the entrance way 202A to node A then to node B then to node C, node F, and finally to node D before being placed into contact with the desired web site. Each of these links between nodes is referred to as a hop. Some of these links are very high traffic links because they act as main throughways between critical nodes. Alternatively, they could be links which are more closely associated with or coupled to popular web sites. In this case, then the popularity of the associated web site results in increased traffic on that link.
Normally, the user is assigned to an Internet access point in accordance with the user's location with respect to the Access Provider's entry points. It is desirable for users to be able to know how congested the traffic route is from their entry point onto the Internet to a web site of interest.

Method for determining and reporting a level of network activity on a communications network using a routing analyzer and advisor


A multi-layer golf ball includes a core having an outer surface, and intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover surrounding the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer defines a radially inward facing surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core, and the cover defines the outermost surface of ball. The outer surface of the core includes a plurality of polygonal land portions aligned on a common sphere. The outer surface of the core further defines a first plurality of annular grooves disposed about a first axis, a second plurality of annular grooves disposed about a second axis, and a third plurality of annular grooves disposed about a third axis. The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are mutually orthogonal, and each groove respectively extends from the common sphere and is concave relative to the core.

The game of golf is an increasingly popular sport at both the amateur and professional levels. To account for the wide variety of play styles and abilities, it is desirable to produce golf balls having different play characteristics.
Attempts have been made to balance a soft feel with good resilience in a multi-layer golf ball by giving the ball a hardness distribution across its respective layers (core, intermediate layer and cover) in such a way as to retain both properties. A harder golf ball will generally achieve greater distances, but less spin, and so will be better for drives but more difficult to control on shorter shorts. On the other hand, a softer ball will generally experience more spin, thus being easier to control, but will lack distance. Additionally, certain design characteristics may affect the "feel" of the ball when hit, as well as the durability of the ball.


This invention relates to liquid crystal display with a touch panel that does not overlap with a display area of liquid crystal panel but is still capable of obtaining a non-touch area.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a touch panel liquid crystal display, and more particularly to a liquid crystal display with a touch panel that does not overlap with a display area of a liquid crystal panel but is still capable of obtaining a non-touch area.
2. Description of the Related Art
A touch panel device reads an input operation of a user by a coordinate value and inputs data. Touch panels are deposited on a display device, e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) and are often used, for example, in bank automatic teller machines (ATMs). Touch panels generate a voltage or electric current signal corresponding to the position where it is pressed with a stylus pen or finger and thereby input graphic or other data assigned by the user. Recently, analogue input type resistance film system touch panels have been integrated with liquid crystal panels of flat panel display devices.
An active matrix liquid crystal display having a touch panel deposited thereon displays a picture corresponding to a video signal, similar to a television signal, on a picture element pixel matrix where pixels are arranged at crossings of gate and data lines. Each pixel includes a liquid crystal cell that controls the amount of light transmitted in accordance with a data signal voltage level from the data line. A thin film transistor (TFT) is provided at crossings of the gate and data lines, responds to scanning signals (gate pulse) from the gate line, and switches data signals such that they are transferred to a liquid crystal cell.
A liquid crystal display requires a plurality of driving integrated circuits (D-ICs) that are connected to both the data and gate lines to supply data signals and scanning signals to the data lines and the gate lines, respectively. D-ICs are conventionally provided between a printed circuit board (PCB) and a liquid crystal panel, are responsive to control signals supplied from the PCB, and supply data scanning signals to the data and gate lines of the liquid crystal panel. In the Tape Automated Bonding (TAB) method, a method commonly used to mount D-ICs, the display area of the panel can be made large and the mounting process is simple.
Referring to FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display with a conventional touch panel includes a liquid crystal panel 40 and a touch panel 10 on the liquid crystal panel 40.
The liquid crystal panel 40 includes a lower substrate 32 where a thin film transistor (TFT) array (not shown) and an alignment film (not shown) are sequentially formed; an upper substrate 34 where a color filter array (not shown), a common electrode (not shown), and an alignment film (not shown) are sequentially formed; liquid crystal (not shown) injected into a gap formed by a spacer and a sealant (not shown) between the upper substrate 34 and the lower substrate 32; an upper polarizing plate 36 adhered to the upper surface of the upper substrate 34; and a lower polarizing plate 38 adhered to the lower surface of the lower substrate 32. A black matrix 42 is formed is formed in a non-display area that is at the outer edge of the upper substrate 34. The black matrix 42 prevents visible light from radiating to the outside.
A drive circuit portion for driving such a liquid crystal panel 40 includes a PCB 46, a tape carrier package (TCP) 44 connecting the liquid crystal panel 40 and the PCB 46, and a D-IC 48 mounted on the TCP 44. The TCP 44 is adhered to the lower substrate 32 by an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). The D-IC 48 mounted on the TCP 44 supplies a driving signal in accordance with a control signal from the PCB 46 to the liquid crystal panel 40. The touch panel 10 provides the location of information for a user to select the information displayed on a screen, and displays the information on a display area of the liquid crystal panel 40.
With reference to FIG. 2, principles of operation of the touch panel 10 are explained. Electrodes 50A and 50B aligned in the X direction and electrodes 52A and 52B in the Y direction of the touch panel 10 are connected to an output portion 54.
Voltage is alternately applied to the electrodes 50A and 50B in the X direction and electrodes 52A and 52B in the Y direction to detect the location X and Y of a contact point created by a user. When voltage is applied to the X direction electrodes 50A and 50B, voltage is not applied to the Y direction electrodes 52A and 52B. A fixed amount of voltage that is applied to the upper X direction electrode 50A and the lower X direction electrode 50B is grounded. Thus, an equipotential is applied to the touch panel 10 in the X direction. Herein, the electric current corresponding to the voltage of the contact point contacted by the user flows to the Y direction electrodes 52A and 52B to output the Y coordinate of the contact point to the output portion 54.
In the same way, when voltage is applied to the Y direction electrodes 52A and 52B, voltage is applied to the X direction electrodes 50A and 50B. At this moment, a fixed amount of voltage is not applied to any one of the Y direction electrodes 52A and 52B and another electrode is grounded. Thus, an equipotential is applied to the touch panel 10 in the Y direction. Electric current corresponding to the voltage of the contact point contacted by the user flows to the X direction electrodes 50A and 50B to output the X coordinate of the contact point to the output portion 54.
Likewise, the touch panel 10 detects location information inputted from the outside by detecting the X and Y coordinates of the contact point.
FIGS. 3A to 3D illustrate a method of fabricating a liquid crystal display having a touch panel.
Referring to FIG. 3A, spacers (not shown) are dispersed between the lower substrate 32 including the TFT array and the upper substrate 34 where the color filter array is formed. Subsequently, the upper substrate 34 and the lower substrate 32 are aligned and joined together. The black matrix 42 is formed for preventing light leakage in the non-display area of the upper substrate 34. Liquid crystal (not shown) is injected into a gap provided by the spacer between the upper substrate 34 and the lower substrate 32.
Subsequently, the lower polarizing plate 38 is adhered to the lower surface of the lower substrate 32, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3C, the upper polarizing plate 36 is adhered to the upper surface of the previously provided upper substrate 34 and the touch panel 10 is adhered to the upper surface of the polarizing plate.
Then, as shown in FIG. 3D, the TCP 44 connects a PCB and a pad portion of the lower substrate 32. The ACF is prepressed and fixed on the pad portion of the lower substrate 32. The TCP is punched 44 to provide holes for transporting and for an integrated circuit. After punching the TCP 44, an alignment mark of the TCP 44 and an alignment mark of the lower substrate 32 are aligned and then the TCP 44 is pressed to be fixed on the ACF. The resin of the ACF is hardened after the prefixed TCP 44 is heat-treated and pressed. Conductive balls in the inside of the ACF electrically connect the TCP 44 and the pad portion of the lower substrate 32.
A flow chart of such a process procedure is illustrated in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, after joining the upper substrate and the lower substrate together (S41 ), the lower polarizing plate is adhered to the lower surface of the lower substrate (S42). After that, the touch panel to which the upper polarizing plate is adhered is mounted on the upper surface of the upper substrate (S43). And then, the pad portion of the lower substrate is joined to the TCP in a TAB process (S44). By this method, a liquid crystal display having a touch panel is fabricated.
In such a liquid crystal display, a non-touch area 20 exists in the touch panel 10 as shown in FIG. 5A. The non-touch area 20 is composed of an adhesion area 20A for adhering an upper film of the touch panel to a lower film, and an outer area 20B to which it is impossible to input user information when the user presses the touch panel 10. Because the touch panel 10 is provided on the liquid crystal panel 40, the information of the display area is not operable in the area corresponding to the non-touch area 20 of the touch panel 10. Accordingly, the area where the liquid crystal panel 40 can be controlled is decreased due to the presence of unused area 40A in the liquid crystal panel 40.
Furthermore, when the non-touch area 20 of the touch panel 10 is provided to not overlap with the display area of the upper substrate 34 as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the non-touch area 20 of the touch panel 10 projects from the side of the upper substrate 34. Accordingly, the touch panel 10 covers the alignment mark arranged on the lower substrate 32 and occupies the position where the TCP 44 is to be formed. As a result, it becomes difficult to adhere to the TCP 44 to the pad portion of the lower substrate 32.

Liquid crystal display having touch panel with increased input area and fabricating method thereof


Disclosed is a plasma processing apparatus including a mounting table within a processing container. The mounting table includes a lower electrode. A shower head constituting an upper electrode is provided above the mounting table. A gas inlet tube is provided above the shower head. The shower head includes a plurality of downwardly opened gas ejection holes, and first and second separate gas diffusion chambers on the gas ejection holes. The first gas diffusion chamber extends along a central axis that passes through a center of the mounting table. The second gas diffusion chamber extends circumferentially around the first gas diffusion chamber. The gas inlet tube includes a cylindrical first tube wall and a cylindrical second tube wall provided outside the first tube wall, and defines a first gas inlet path inside the first tube wall, and a second gas inlet path between the first and second tube walls.

In manufacturing electronic devices such as semiconductor devices or liquid crystal display device, a processing such as, for example, film forming or etching is performed on a workpiece to be processed ("workpiece"). In the processing of such a workpiece, a plasma processing apparatus is widely used. As a kind of such a plasma processing apparatus, a parallel plate type plasma processing apparatus is used.
The parallel plate type plasma processing apparatus is provided with a processing container, a mounting table, and a shower head. The mounting table includes a lower electrode and is provided in the processing container. The shower head is provided above the mounting table so as to supply a processing gas to the inside of the processing container toward a workpiece mounted on the mounting table. In addition, the shower head constitutes an upper electrode. In such a parallel plate type plasma processing apparatus, the processing gas is supplied from the shower head to the inside of the processing container, and a high frequency electric field is generated between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. As a result, plasma of the processing gas is generated and the workpiece is processed by the molecules in the processing gas and/or active species of the molecules.
In the plasma processing apparatus, it is required to reduce variation of processing over the entire in-plane region of the workpiece. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-117477 discloses a plasma processing apparatus which allows a flow rate of a processing gas supplied to a plurality of in-plane regions of the workpiece and/or gas species to be adjusted in order to reduce the variation of processing.
Specifically, the plasma processing apparatus of Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-117477 includes a plurality of gas diffusion chambers which are provided coaxially in the shower head. That is, a first gas diffusion chamber is provided at a central region of the shower head, an annular second gas diffusion chamber is provided outside the first gas diffusion chamber, and an annular third gas diffusion chamber is provided outside the second gas diffusion chamber. In addition, the plasma processing apparatus of the Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-117477 includes a plurality of gas branch paths and is configured such that processing gases from gas sources are respectively supplied to the plurality of gas diffusion chambers through the gas branch paths at a controlled flow rate.


The pupil image function (PIF) matrix of a plenoptic imaging system is calibrated, taking advantage of the low rank of the PIF matrix. In one approach, the low rank is utilized by identifying a subspace for the PIF matrix and then estimating the PIF matrix within that subspace. This can lead to a significant reduction in the number of calibration patterns used to estimate the PIF matrix.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the estimation of the system transfer function for certain linear systems, for example the estimation of the pupil image function matrix for plenoptic imaging systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
As an example of one class of systems, the plenoptic imaging system has recently received increased attention. It can be used to recalculate a different focus point or point of view of an object, based on digital processing of the captured plenoptic image. The plenoptic imaging system also finds application in multi-modal imaging, using a multi-modal filter array in the plane of the pupil aperture. Each filter is imaged at the sensor, effectively producing a multiplexed image of the object for each imaging modality at the filter plane. Other applications for plenoptic imaging systems include varying depth of field imaging and high dynamic range imaging.
Many of these applications depend strongly on an accurate characterization of the plenoptic imaging system. This is especially true for applications that utilize more advanced image processing, such as deconvolution and super-resolution. For example, if the point response of a plenoptic imaging system can be accurately estimated, then an inverse problem can be solved to obtain higher resolution images from the captured plenoptic images.
The behavior of a plenoptic imaging system can be calculated based on the design data for the system. However, the physical system will deviate from the design data and even small deviations can affect the overall performance of the system. For example, the use of micro-elements, such as microlens arrays, increases the sensitivity to deviations and imposes a stricter requirement on the characterization of the plenoptic imaging system. Thus, calibration of physical systems, rather than modeling based on design data, is desirable in certain situations.
The point response for a plenoptic imaging system will be referred to as the "pupil image function" (PIF) of the plenoptic imaging system, as described in more detail below. Unlike conventional optical imaging systems, the PIF for a plenoptic imaging system is strongly spatially variant. Therefore, the PIF cannot be estimated for only a single field point, with the assumption that the PIF will then be the same or similar for all other field points. Rather, the PIF preferably is estimated over the entire field of view of the plenoptic imaging system. In one approach, a point source object is physically translated across the entire field of view, and the system's response is observed separately at each field point. The PIF is then assembled from the observed images. However, this approach is very time consuming.
Thus, there is a need for better methods for estimating the PIF of a plenoptic imaging system and, more generally, for estimating the system transfer function for a certain class of linear systems.

Estimation of the system transfer function for certain linear systems


The present invention relates to leave-on compositions for personal care comprising trimethylsilylalkylsilsesquioxanes, particularly trimethylsilyl-n-octylsilsesquioxanes (Caprylyl Trimethicones). Said trimethylsilylalkylsilsesquioxanes are especially useful in formulating emulsions.

The rheological and sensoric benefits and organic compatibility of silicone compounds have contributed immensely to their usefulness in a wide variety of personal care compositions, including skin creams, lotions, antiperspirants and deodorants, color cosmetics (e.g. mascara, lipstick) suncare products and hair conditioners.
A variety of patents describe various types of formulations based on silicone compounds, like dimethiconol, polyalkylsiloxanes, polyalkylarylsiloxanes, polyestersiloxanes, polyethersiloxanes, polyfluorosiloxanes, polyaminosiloxanes and combinations thereof. Especially, the use of dimethylsilicones, both linear and cyclic, provide desirable sensory benefits during application. Non-volatile silicones provide desirable sensory attributes to the hair and to the skin subsequent to the application. Unfortunately, dimethylsilicones show limited compatibility with many organic materials used in cosmetic formulations. Also they are generally not compatible with water.
Phenyltrimethicones, of the general formula Me3SiO[Si(Me3SiO)(Ph)O)]xSiMe3, with x from 1 to 3, are a class of silicones which show excellent compatibility with many organic ingredients. Phenyltrimethicones are formulated into cosmetic products for a number of purposes including better gloss and sheen of hair, increased emolliency and water repellency of the skin. During the application of cosmetic products said phenyl trimethicones also provide enhanced spreadability and lubricity and reduced tackiness.
Considerable study has been carried out in recent years concerning the ultimate fate of organosilicones (atmosphere, rivers and lakes).
Phenyl substituents are oxidized and/or homolytically cleaved from silicon forming benzene and/or phenol. Both are considered to be pollutants of the environment.


A method of removing a valuable protein from a complex solution and recovering the valuable protein in purified form consists of adding a silica gel sorbant having a pore size approximately the molecular size of the protein to a solution containing the protein, allowing the protein to be sorbed onto the sorbant, separating the sorbant from the solution and then recovering the protein from the sorbant.

Advances in biotechnology have made it possible to take a gene sequence which is responsible for the expression of a valuable protein in one organism, such as the human gene for insulin, and introduce it into another organism which expresses the valuable protein, for example into a fermentation broth or milk. Unfortunately, it is usually very difficult and expensive to isolate the valuable protein from the other components of the expression system. Isolation and purification are main contributors to the cost of the products.
It is known in the brewing industry that certain insoluble substances, such as silica gels, silica hydrogels and silica cogels, are "sorbants" which absorb, adsorb or entrap proteins and as such are useful in removing undesirable proteins from beer. The proteins are removed from the beer quickly and inexpensively.
The Raible U.S. Pat. No. 3,436,225 discloses a process for removing undesirable proteins from beer with a combination of silica gel and aluminum silicate.
The Barby et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,617,301 discloses a process for the treatment of beer to reduce its tendency to form haze on storage which comprises adding to the beer a silica hydrogel. The patent also discloses that various other insoluble sorbants, such as bentonite, active carbon, nylon, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, as well as, other silica containing compounds have been previously used for this purpose and that they are to a greater or lesser extent effective.
The Hau U.S. Pat. No. 4,636,394 discloses the use of a combination of two distinct amorphous silicas to remove chill haze precursor proteins from beer.
The Mizerak et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,198 discloses the use of sorbants, including silica hydrogel, to selectively remove yeast lethal factors from malt extract.
The Welsh et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,530 discloses a method of removing haze-forming proteins from wine using inorganic oxide-silica cogels. The patent also discloses the regeneration and recycling of the cogel.
None of the above described patents disclose any method by which a valuable protein is removed from a broth and recovered.
There is a need for a simple method of removing and recovering valuable proteins from complex solutions, such as fermentation broths and milk, and also a need for a method of determining which valuable proteins can be removed from such solutions by that method.


A substrate has a collector region of a first conductivity type, and a base layer of a single crystalline structure and including impurities of a second conductivity type is located over the collector region. An emitter region is defined at least in part by impurities of the first conductivity type contained in the base layer. An emitter electrode of the first conductivity type contacts the emitter region, and at least a portion of the emitter electrode which is in contact with the emitter region has a single crystalline structure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to bipolar transistors. More particularly, the present invention relates to performance characteristics of a bipolar transistor at the interface between an emitter region and an emitter electrode of the bipolar transistor.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional vertical bipolar transistor. In this example, an NPN transistor is shown, and accordingly, an N+ buried collector region 2 is located at a depth within a N− collector region 3 formed over a P− substrate 1. Typically, the N− collector region 3 is formed by epitaxial growth over the P− substrate 1. Also, as shown, LOCOS or STI insulating layers 4 are formed to isolate surface regions of the N− collector region 3.
A P+ base layer 5 is formed by epitaxial growth of single-crystal Si or SiGe over the N− collector region 3, and an N+ emitter region 6 is formed by doping impurities to a given depth within the P+ base layer 5. A P+ poly-silicon base electrode 7 and an N+ poly-silicon emitter electrode 8 respectively contact surfaces of the base region 5 and emitter region 6. The emitter region 6 is usually formed by diffusion of impurities from the poly-silicon emitter electrode 8 into the base region 5. The poly-silicon emitter electrode 8 is electrically insulated from the poly-silicon base electrode 7 by sidewall spacers 9 and insulating layer 10. Further, each of the poly-silicon base and emitter electrodes 7, 8 is covered with a silicide layer 11 for low-resistance contact to a metal interconnect (not shown).
An overdoped N+ region 12 is located below the emitter region 6 and extends between the base region 5 and the N+ buried collector region 2. Likewise, an N+ collector sink 13 extends from the N+ buried collector region 2 to the surface of the device for connection to a metal collector contact (not shown) via the silicide layer 11.
As is well know in the art, conductivity of the bipolar transistor is achieved by the injection of minority carriers from the emitter region 6 into the base region 5, thereby electrically connecting the emitter region 6 to the underlying N+ collector region 12. In this state, an electrical path is established from the emitter electrode 8 to the collector sink 13 via the overdoped collector region 12 and the buried collector region 2.
Various techniques have been applied in the art in an effort to enhance performance characteristics of the bipolar transistor. For example, a so-called heterojunction bipolar transistor is known in which the emitter region is formed with a higher band gap than the underlying base region, thus facilitating the injection of minority carriers into the base region. One exemplary heterojunction device is formed by stacking epitaxially grown layers SiGe and Si over the collector region, and then doping a region of the upper Si layer to define the emitter. The bandgap of the Si emitter is wider than that of SiGe base, thus enhancing injection efficiency. It is also known that injection efficiency can be further enhanced by providing a graded distribution of Ge in the SiGe layer to achieve a non-uniform band-gap.
Notwithstanding these and other improvements relating to the emitter characteristics within the base, there still exist a demand for bipolar transistors having higher performance efficiencies.
Returning to FIG. 1, the conventional configuration is characterized by the deposition of doped poly-silicon between the sidewall spacers 8 and over the insulating layer 26. This doped poly-silicon directly contacts the emitter region 6 and forms the emitter electrode 8 of the transistor.
As mentioned above, the emitter region 6 is usually formed by diffusion of impurities from the deposited emitter electrode into the base region 5. As also mentioned above, the base region 5 is formed by epitaxial growth of single-crystal Si and/or SiGe over the collector region 3. As such, the poly-crystalline structure of the gate electrode 8 directly contacts the single-crystalline structure of the emitter region 6. This abrupt change in crystalline structure creates a resistive component at the interface between the emitter region 6 and the emitter electrode 8. This resistive component appears in the conductive path of the transistor, thus degrading performance.
Further, due to process limitations, the deposition of poly-silicon directly onto the emitter region results in substantial defects at the interface between the two. These defects further increase the resistive component at the interface.

Bipolar junction transistors and methods of manufacturing the same


An RF/MR transmit and/or receive antenna is disclosed for use in a hybrid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system (or MR scanner), which comprises an MRI system and another imaging system for example in the form of a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) system. The RF transmit and/or receive antenna (40, 50) is provided with respect to its conductor structure such that it does not disturb or in any other way detrimentally influence the related other (i.e. HIFU) of the two systems, especially if both systems are operated simultaneously and if the RF antenna is positioned in close proximity to an object to be imaged.

In an MRI system or MR scanner, an examination object, usually a patient, is exposed to a uniform main magnetic field (B0 field) so that the magnetic moments of the nuclei within the examination object tend to rotate around the axis of the applied B0 field (Larmor precession) with a certain net magnetization of all nuclei parallel to the B0 field. The rate of precession is called Larmor frequency which is dependent on the specific physical characteristics of the involved nuclei, namely their gyromagnetic ratio, and the strength of the applied B0 field. The gyromagnetic ratio is the ratio between the magnetic moment and the spin of a nucleus.
By transmitting an RF excitation pulse (B1 field) which is orthogonal to the B0 field, generated by means of an RF transmit antenna, and matching the Larmor frequency of the nuclei of interest, the spins of the nuclei are excited and brought into phase, and a deflection of their net magnetization from the direction of the B0 field is obtained, so that a transversal component in relation to the longitudinal component of the net magnetization is generated.
After termination of the RF excitation pulse, the relaxation processes of the longitudinal and transversal components of the net magnetization begin, until the net magnetization has returned to its equilibrium state. NMR relaxation signals which are emitted by the transversal relaxation process, are detected by means of an MR/RF receive antenna.
The received NMR signals which are time-based amplitude signals, are Fourier transformed to frequency-based NMR spectrum signals and processed for generating an MR image of the examination object. In order to obtain a spatial selection of a slice or volume within the examination object and a spatial encoding of the received NMR signals emanating from the slice or volume of interest, gradient magnetic fields are superimposed on the B0 field, having the same direction as this B0 field, but having gradients in the orthogonal x-, y- and z-directions. Due to the fact that the Larmor frequency is dependent on the strength of the magnetic field which is imposed on the nuclei, the Larmor frequency of the nuclei accordingly decreases along and with the decreasing gradient (and vice versa) of the total, superimposed B0 field, so that by appropriately tuning the frequency of the transmitted RF excitation pulse (and by accordingly tuning the resonance frequency of the MR/RF receive antenna), and by accordingly controlling the gradient fields, a selection of nuclei within a slice at a certain location along each gradient in the x-, y- and z-direction, and by this, in total, within a certain voxel of the object can be obtained.
The above RF transmit and/or receive antennas are known both in the form of so-called MR body coils (also called whole body coils) which are fixedly mounted within an examination space of an MRI system for imaging a whole examination object, and as so-called MR surface coils which are directly arranged on a local zone or area to be examined and which are constructed e.g. in the form of flexible pads or sleeves or cages (head coil or birdcage coil).
As to the shape of the examination space, two types of MRI systems or MR scanners can be distinguished. The first one is the so-called open MRI system (vertical system) which comprises an examination zone, which is located between the ends of a vertical C-arm arrangement. The second one is an MRI system, also called axial MRI system, which comprises a horizontally extending tubular or cylindrical examination space.
In a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) system focused ultrasound beams are used especially to destroy (pathogenic) target tissue by heating, wherein preferably an MRI system is used for controlling and monitoring the heating process by MRI thermometry. Such a hybrid MRI/HIFU system is also called MR guided focused ultrasound system (MRgFUS). U.S. Pat. No. 7,463,030 discloses a HIFU compatible MR receive coil for use in such a hybrid MRI/HIFU system.

RF transmit and/or receive antenna for a hybrid MRI/HIFU system


A method of magnetizing a permanently magnetizable element associated with a magnetic field sensor structure includes generating a test magnetic field penetrating the magnetic field sensor structure and the permanently magnetizable element, detecting the magnetic field and providing a test signal based on a magnetic field through the magnetic field sensor structure, aligning the test magnetic field and the magnetic field sensor structure with the permanently magnetizable element to each other, until the test signal reaches a set value corresponding to a predetermined magnetized field distribution with respect to the magnetic field sensor structure, and generating a magnetizing field for permanently magnetizing the element to be permanently magnetized, wherein the magnetizing field corresponds to the predetermined magnetic field distribution within a tolerance range.

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for magnetizing a permanently magnetizable element associated with a magnetic field sensor structure, for monitoring the alignment of a magnetic field, to an arrangement of a magnetic field sensor element with a permanently associated, non-magnetized hard magnetic material structure, as well as to a method of inscribing a magnetization into a magnetoresistive sensor structure and for protecting a sensor structure against external magnetic fields.
Magnetic field sensors are used, for example, for incremental velocity measurement or as angle sensors. Therefore, frequently magnetoresistive (MR) or giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor chips are used, which can detect a change of an external magnetic field. This external magnetic field can be generated, for example, in angle sensors, by a so-called magnetic field, which is mounted above the sensor chip on a shaft/axis. Rotating metal wheels or perforated discs are frequently used for generating a required magnetic field deflection when using magnetic field sensors for velocity measurement. In this case, a back-bias magnet, which is generally behind the magnetic field sensor, generates the magnetic field to be deflected.
In any case, the exact positioning of the magnet generating the external magnetic field, such as the back-bias magnet or the magnetic pill, and the exact direction of magnetization in relation to the magnetic field sensor structure, such as the MR/GMR sensor chip in the above-mentioned example, are of significant importance for an exact mode of operation.

Method and apparatus for defined magnetizing of permanently magnetizable elements and magnetoresistive sensor structures


A low-cost and high-ion-transmission-ratio ion-mobility spectrometry filter, including an ion source, a first drift region in which a gas flow direction and a DC electric-field direction are opposite to each other, a second drift region in which a gas flow direction is provided, the gas flow direction being different from the gas flow direction in the first drift region, and being opposite to a DC electric-field application direction in the second drift region, an intermediate region having an electric field for causing ions to travel between the first drift region and the second drift region, and a detector for detecting ions which have passed through the first drift region and the second drift region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ion mobility spectrometer and an ion-mobility-spectrometry/mass-spectrometry hybrid spectrometer.
2. Description of the Related Art
The ion mobility spectrometry is widely used for appliances such as a gas detector. Also, in addition to the ion mobility spectrometry, the mass spectrometry exists in ion detection methods. The following clear distinction, however, exists between these two methods, i.e., the ion mobility spectrometry and the mass spectrometry: In the ion mobility spectrometry, the number-of-times of collisions between ions and a gas at the time of the separation is larger in number, and rather, the effect of these collisions is taken advantage of positively. In contrast thereto, in the mass spectrometry, the number-of-times of the collisions between ions and a gas at the time of the separation is smaller in number. Namely, the ion mobility spectrometry is performed under a pressure higher than 10 mTorr; whereas the mass spectrometry is performed under a pressure lower than 1 mTorr. As a result, a significant difference therebetween is as follows: In the ion mobility spectrometry, the separation is performed based on the ion mobility; whereas, in the mass spectrometry, the separation is performed based on mass-to-charge ratios of the ions.
Hereinafter, the explanation will be given below concerning the conventional technologies. In "Analytical Chemistry", Vol. 66, No. 23, Dec. 1, 1994, pp. 4195 to 4201, the detailed description is given regarding Drift-Tube Ion Mobility Spectrometry (: DTIMS). According to this method, the attainment time of an ion to a detector is represented by the following (Expression 1), assuming that electric field is uniform, and letting ion mobility of the ion be K, voltage be V, and displacement distance be L.
                    T        =                              L            2                    KV                                    (                  Expression                                                              1                )
Since the value of the ion mobility K differs depending on ion species, it is possible to separate the ion species by using the detector attainment times. The ion mobility spectrometry which takes advantage of the difference in the ion mobility like this is widely used for appliances such as an explosives detector in an airport or the like.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,498,342 B1, the disclosure is made concerning a method where, after the ions are separated using the ion mobility, the separated ions are further detected by a mass spectrometry unit. According to this method, after the ions are separated using the ion mobility once, the mass spectrometry detection is performed by sequentially introducing the separated ions into the mass spectrometry unit such as a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Since two-dimensional data (i.e., first-dimensional data: the ion mobility, second-dimensional data: masses of the ions) can be acquired, the resolving power is enhanced significantly.
Moreover, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,774,360 B2, the disclosure is made regarding a method of performing the ion separation by using High-Field Asymmetric-wave form Ion Mobility Spectrometry (: FAIMS). The ion mobility of the ions varies under a high electric-field strength. A filter for permitting a specific ion species to pass therethrough is implementable by using the fact that this variation ratio in the ion mobility differs depending on the ion species. The separation mechanism in U.S. Pat. No. 6,774,360 B2 differs from those in "Analytical Chemistry", Vol. 66, No. 23, Dec. 1, 1994, pp. 4195 to 4201 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,498,342 B1. This separation mechanism, however, is regarded as one type of the ion mobility spectrometry, since it is a separation mechanism performed under the atmospheric pressure or a low vacuum.

Ion mobility spectrometer and ion-mobility-spectrometry/mass-spectrometry hybrid spectrometer


The present invention relates to a manually powered vehicle, such as a child""s ride-on toy. The vehicle is powered by a rocking, or up-and-down, motion of the rider. The rocking motion is mechanically translated into a force for propelling the ride-on vehicle via one or more ratcheting levers. The vehicle has two front, driven wheels and a single, rear steerable wheel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a manually powered vehicle, such as a child""s ride-on toy. More particularly, the present invention concerns a vehicle wherein a rocking, or up-and-down motion, of the rider is mechanically translated into a force for propelling the ride-on vehicle.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
Children""s ride-on toys, which translate a rocking, or up-and-down motion, of the child into a force for propelling the ride-on toy are generally known in the existing arts. However, the ride-on toys of the background art suffer drawbacks.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 222,861 discloses a manually powered children""s ride-on horse. FIGS. 9 and 10 depict the conventional ride-on horse. A child sits on a saddle (G) connected to a frame (F). The frame (F) is moveable relative to a chassis (A). The frame (F) is connected to a conventional pedal sprocket (D). A child""s rocking motion is translated, via the moveable frame (F), to the sprocket (D), and causes the sprocket (D) to rotate. Therefore, the frame (F) must completely turn the sprocket (D) round and round, in order to drive the ride-on toy.
The conventional structure of FIGS. 9 and 10 works adequately, so long as the toy is driven on a flat surface and a sufficient speed is maintained in the forward progress of the ride-on toy. However, at slower speeds, such as when starting off, or when trying to climb a slope, it is often very difficult for a child to power the ride-on toy to make the ride-on toy move in the forward direction. Under these circumstances, stalls often occur, and the child needs a push to get the vehicle moving.
The stalls occur when the cranks (E) attaching the frame (F) to the sprocket (D) are at, or near, the twelve o""clock and six o""clock positions, as the sprocket (D) rotates. When the cranks (E) are so positioned, the forces applied by the frame (F) have little or no component values, which tend to cause a rotation of the sprocket (D). When stalls occur, the child or a supervising adult needs to push the ride-on toy for a short distance in order to move the cranks (E) off of the twelve o""clock and/or six o""clock positions.
Stalls can also occur when the ride-on toy is first mounted for riding. In the unfortunate event that the ride-on toy happens to have its cranks (E) initially located at the twelve and six o""clock positions, the child will be unable to start the ride-on toy""s forward progress by rocking the saddle (G), and must manually push the ride-on toy a short distance before rocking movement will power the ride-on toy to move. Stalling is an annoyance and inconvenience to the child or supervising adult. In fact, the annoyance can take the fin out of riding the ride-on toy, and make the toy undesirable to the child.
A second drawback of the rocking ride-on toys of the conventional arts is that steering often occurs at the front wheels. Front wheel steering of a rocking type ride-on toy can lead to dangerous circumstances. Since the child, is repeating a pattern of shifting their weight down onto the front axle, and then immediately pulling up on the front axle, the front axle is unstable. Traction, and hence steering, is affected and can be erratic, leading to the child driving the ride-on toy into obstacles. Front steering can also lead to a tip-over and injury to the child, if the front wheels are cut or turned to sharply. A tip-over is especially likely if only a single front steerable wheel is provided, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.
A third drawback of many of the rocking ride-on toys of the background art is the provision of four wheels. Four wheels, while providing added stability, increase the overall size of the ride-on toy, and thereby limit the areas in which the ride-on toy can be driven. Further, four wheels relative to three wheels increase the rolling resistant and weight of the ride-on toy, thus requiring additional power to drive the toy. This limits the class of children who are physically able to enjoy the ride-on toy.
It is therefore an object of the present invention, to provide a ride-on vehicle which is resistant to stalling at slow speeds; is resistant to stalling when initially starting out; is stable in its steering; and is designed to have a reduced rolling resistance.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a ride-on vehicle that is logical in design, and thereby easy and economical to manufacture, maintain, and repair.
Other objects and further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.


A recording apparatus to record data on a recording medium including a plurality of recording layers is provided. The recording apparatus includes a recording circuit adapted to record data on a recording layer selected from among the plurality of recording layers included on the recording medium; a recordable capacity detecting circuit adapted to detect recordable capacity of each of the plurality of recording layers; an instructing circuit adapted to provide instructions to start recording of the data; and a selecting circuit adapted to select a recording layer on which the data is to be recorded in accordance with the instructions to start recording provided from the instructing circuit based on the recordable capacity of the plurality of recording layers detected by the recordable capacity detecting circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus, such as a camera-integrated DVD recorder (DVD video camera), capable of recording moving or still images on a recording medium, a method for controlling the apparatus, and a control program.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hitherto, an apparatus to record and play back image data on/from an optical recording medium, such as a DVD, has been known.
In recent years, an optical disc having a plurality of recording layers has been proposed in a field of optical recording discs. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-134375, an apparatus to record and play back image data on/from an optical disc having a plurality of layers has been proposed.
When image data is to be recorded on an optical disc having a plurality of recording layers, the image data is first recorded on a first recording layer, and then on a second recording layer after the first recording layer becomes full. If the optical disc has three or more layers, the image data is recorded on a third layer and a fourth layer after each recording layer becomes full.
When such an optical disc having a plurality of recording layers is to be played, focus control of an optical pickup needs to be performed for each layer. If data recording density is different in the respective recording layers, a track pitch and reflectivity are also different. Thus, adjustment in tracking control and focus control needs to be performed for each layer.
These processes need to be performed at startup of the apparatus or load of a disc, which takes time to be ready for playback, so that a user is kept waiting for the time.
If those processes are to be performed at switching of layers during playback, playback of moving images is suspended until adjustment has been done.
Likewise, during recording, adjustment in tracking control and focus control or adjustment of optimal laser power needs to be performed every time recording layers are switched. Accordingly, recording of image data is suspended for the adjustment time.
By accumulating image data that is input during adjustment of an optical pickup in a memory and by writing the image data accumulated in the memory on a disc after the adjustment, the image data can be continuously recorded without suspension.
However, an expensive large-capacity memory is required in order to accumulate data that is input during adjustment of a pickup at switching of recording layers, which leads to a cost increase of the apparatus.
For the reason of preventing a cost increase, it is not practical to provide such a large-capacity memory in inexpensive apparatuses, such as consumer-oriented apparatuses. Also, there is a problem that suspension of recording at switching of recording layers is inevitable.

Recording apparatus, method for controlling the apparatus, and storage medium storing control program