The present invention is a method and system for incrementally maintaining a database having at least one materialized view based on at least one table. When changes to the table are received, a change table based on the received changes is generated. The generated change table is propagated upwards to form a higher-level change table and the materialized view is updated by applying the higher-level change table to the materialized view using a refresh operation. In one aspect, the change table includes a plurality of tuples representing the changes and the materialized view includes a plurality of tuples. The refresh operation has two parameters, a join condition and an update function specification. The materialized view is updated by finding all tuples in the materialized view that match the tuple in the change table, using the join condition, for each tuple in the change table and updating each found tuple in the materialized view by performing operations indicated by the update function specification.

The present invention relates to a method and system for incremental database maintenance, and in particular to updating materialized views in a database.
In a data warehouse, views are computed and stored in the database to allow efficient querying and analysis of the data. These views stored at the data warehouse are known as materialized views. In order to keep the views in the data warehouse up to date, it is necessary to maintain the materialized views in response to the changes at the sources. The view can be either recomputed from scratch, or incrementally maintained by propagating the base data changes onto the view so that the view reflects the changes. Incrementally maintaining a view can be significantly cheaper than recomputing the view from scratch, especially if the size of the view is large compared to the size of the changes.
The problem of finding such changes at the views based on changes to the base relations has come to be known as the view maintenance problem and has been studied extensively. Traditional maintenance techniques propagate insertions and deletions from the base relations to the view through each of its operations. Several improved schemes have been proposed for incremental maintenance of view expressions. However, problems arise with traditional techniques and with prior improved schemes. For example, none of the previously known schemes efficiently handles the case of general view expressions involving aggregate and outerjoin operators. As another example, most of the incremental maintenance approaches compute and propagate insertions and deletions at each node in a view expression tree, which is often inefficient.
A need arises for an incremental maintenance technique which efficiently handles general view expressions involving aggregate and outerjoin operators.
The present invention is a method and system for incrementally maintaining a database having at least one materialized view based on at least one table. When changes to the table are received, a change table based on the received changes is generated. The generated change table is propagated upwards to form a higher-level change table and the materialized view is updated by applying the higher-level change table to the materialized view using a refresh operation.
In one aspect of the present invention, the change table includes a plurality of tuples representing the changes and the materialized view includes a plurality of tuples. The refresh operation has two parameters, a join condition and an update function specification. The materialized view is updated by finding all tuples in the materialized view that match the tuple in the change table, using the join condition, for each tuple in the change table and updating each found tuple in the materialized view by performing operations indicated by the update function specification.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the materialized view is an aggregated materialized view. In this embodiment, each tuple in the materialized view and in the change table includes at least one aggregated attribute and may include one or more non-aggregated attributes. Tuples in the materialized view that match the tuple in the change table are found, using the join condition, by matching the non-aggregated attribute of a tuple in the change table, if any, with the non-aggregated attribute of a tuple in the view. Each found tuple in the materialized view is updated by updating the aggregated attribute of the tuple in the view using the aggregated attribute of the tuple in the change table.
In one aspect of this embodiment, the materialized view is further updated by inserting a tuple from the change table into the materialized view, if no tuples are found in the materialized view that match the tuple from the change table, and deleting a tuple from the materialized view, if an aggregated attribute representing a count of a number of tuples in a group represented by a the tuple becomes zero.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the materialized view is an outerjoin materialized view based on a plurality of tables. In this embodiment, there is a tuple in the materialized view corresponding to each value of at least one selected attribute in any of the plurality of tables. Each tuple in the materialized view comprises at least one selected attribute and at least one other attribute. Tuples in the materialized view that match the tuple in the change table are found, using the join by matching the at least one selected attribute of a tuple in the change table with the at least one selected attribute of a tuple in the view. Each found tuple in the materialized view is updated by updating the at least one other attribute of the tuple in the view using the at least one other attribute of the tuple in the change table.
In one aspect of this embodiment, the materialized view is further updated by inserting a tuple from the change table into the materialized view, if no tuples are found in the materialized view that match the tuple from the change table and deleting a tuple from the materialized view, if a value of the at least one selected attribute of the tuple is no longer present in any table.

Method and system for incremental database maintenance


A piezoelectric element of the present invention includes a substrate, a lower electrode layer, a piezoelectric layer, an upper electrode layer, a cavity portion formed below a piezoelectric vibrating portion, and at least two bridging portions. The at least two bridging portions are formed so as not to be line-symmetric with respect to any line segment traversing the piezoelectric vibrating portion and/or so as not to be point-symmetric with respect to any point in the piezoelectric vibrating portion in a projection of the piezoelectric vibrating portion in the laminating direction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a piezoelectric element, more specifically, an improved piezoelectric element having good vibration characteristics in which unwanted signals based on unwanted vibrations (hereinafter, referred to as "spurious responses") are suppressed effectively. The present invention also relates to an improved composite piezoelectric element in which unwanted vibration modes do not interfere with each other between adjacent piezoelectric elements. The present invention also relates to a filter, a duplexer and communication equipment using the same.
2. Description of the Background Art
There is a demand for increasingly smaller and lighter components to be integrated in electronic equipment, in particular portable equipment. For example, for filters used in portable equipment, there is a demand for compactness, small insertion loss and large attenuation characteristics.
Filters using a piezoelectric element are known as filters that can satisfy these requirements.
FIG. 27A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional piezoelectric element. FIG. 27B is an equivalent circuit diagram of this conventional piezoelectric element.
As shown in FIG. 27A, the conventional piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric vibrating portion 90 on a substrate 91. A piezoelectric layer 92, an upper electrode layer 93, and a lower electrode layer 94 are laminated to form the piezoelectric vibrating portion 90. The upper electrode layer 93 and the lower electrode layer 94 sandwich the piezoelectric layer 92. A cavity portion 95 penetrating the substrate 91 is provided such that the lower surface of the piezoelectric vibrating portion 90 is exposed. The cavity portion 95 is provided in the substrate 91 in order to ensure free vibration of the piezoelectric vibrating portion 90.
When an electric field is applied between the upper electrode layer 93 and the lower electrode layer 94, electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy in the piezoelectric layer 92. For example, when aluminum nitride (AlN) having its polarization axis in the thickness direction is used as the piezoelectric layer 92, the mechanical energy is converted principally into a longitudinal vibration in the thickness direction. Thus, the piezoelectric layer 92 expands and contracts in the same direction as the electric field.
As shown in FIG. 27B, the equivalent circuit diagram of the conventional piezoelectric element includes a serial resonant circuit and a parallel resonant circuit. Therefore, the conventional piezoelectric element has a resonant frequency and an anti-resonant frequency. When the thickness of the piezoelectric vibrating portion 90 is taken as t, the conventional piezoelectric element resonates at a resonant frequency fr (=v/λ) corresponding to a wavelength λ that satisfies t=λ/2, where v is the ultrasonic velocity in the material constituting the piezoelectric vibrating portion 90. The anti-resonant frequency fa, similarly to the resonant frequency, is inversely proportional to the thickness t of the piezoelectric vibrating portion 90, and is proportional to the ultrasonic velocity in the material constituting the piezoelectric vibrating portion 90. When the resonant frequency and/or the anti-resonant frequency is to be set within a frequency band of several 100 MHz to several GHz, the thickness of the piezoelectric vibrating portion 90 corresponding to such a resonant frequency and/or anti-resonant frequency is a thickness that can be formed easily by industrial thin-film formation. Therefore, the conventional piezoelectric element is compact and is useful as a resonator having a high Q-value in the above-described frequency band.
In the piezoelectric vibrating portion 90, ideally, it is preferable that only vibrations in the thickness direction P of the piezoelectric layer 92 are present. However, the piezoelectric vibrating portion 90 is supported at its periphery by the substrate 91, and therefore the piezoelectric vibrating portion is constrained by the supporting portion in the substrate 91. Therefore, spurious responses tend to occur.
Furthermore, in the conventional piezoelectric element, vibrations in the lateral direction Q are also excited, so that a plurality of laterally propagating acoustic wave modes are present. These laterally propagating acoustic wave modes are unwanted vibration modes. The laterally propagating acoustic wave modes propagate in parallel to the surface of the electrode and effect multiple reflections at the side wall of the piezoelectric layer 92 or the end portions of the upper electrode layer 93 and the lower electrode layer 94, which causes spurious response. Furthermore, in the case of a composite piezoelectric element in which piezoelectric elements are arranged adjacent to each other, unwanted vibration modes interfere with each other between the adjacent piezoelectric elements, which causes spurious response. The spurious responses that are caused by the laterally propagating acoustic wave modes deteriorate the frequency characteristics of the piezoelectric element.
Various techniques have been proposed in order to solve the problem that the frequency characteristics of the piezoelectric element is deteriorated by the spurious responses. FIG. 28A is a top view of a conventional piezoelectric element disclosed in International Publication No. 98/52280. FIG. 28B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of the conventional piezoelectric element shown in FIG. 28A.
As shown in FIG. 28A and 28B, an insulating film 73 is formed on a substrate 81 having a cavity portion 85. A piezoelectric vibrating portion 80 is provided above the cavity portion 85, straddling the cavity portion 85. The opposite ends of the piezoelectric vibrating portion 80 are supported by the substrate 81. A lower electrode layer 84, a piezoelectric layer 82 and an upper electrode layer 83 are laminated to form the piezoelectric vibrating portion 80. The lower electrode layer 84 is connected to a wiring electrode 86. The end portion of the wiring electrode 86 constitutes a terminal electrode 87. The upper electrode layer 83 is connected to a terminal electrode 71 via a connection portion 88, a wiring electrode 89 and a connection portion 70. A mask 72 is a mask for forming the cavity portion 85. According to the conventional piezoelectric element shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, the piezoelectric vibrating portion 80 is supported above the cavity portion 85 by the substrate 81 with two supporting portions 74 and 75. Therefore, the constraint from the substrate 81 on the piezoelectric vibrating portion 80 becomes small. Thus, spurious responses are suppressed to some extent. However, the piezoelectric vibrating portion 80 is supported at symmetric positions with respect to the substrate 81, so that in particular, the laterally propagating acoustic wave modes cannot sufficiently be suppressed.
FIG. 29A is a top view of another conventional piezoelectric element disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-130199. FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of the conventional piezoelectric element shown in FIG. 29A.
As shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, a piezoelectric vibrating portion 60 is provided above a substrate 61 having a cavity portion 65, straddling the cavity portion 65 via a support member 53. A lower electrode layer 64, a piezoelectric layer 62 and an upper electrode layer 63 are laminated to form the piezoelectric vibrating portion 60. The lower electrode layer 64 is connected to a terminal electrode 67 via a wiring electrode 66. The upper electrode layer 63 is connected to a terminal electrode 51 via a wiring electrode 69. An etching hole 54 is provided for forming the cavity portion 65 in the substrate 61. A protective film 55 is provided to protect the lower electrode layer 64 from the etchant during etching. According to the conventional piezoelectric element shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, the piezoelectric vibrating portion 60 is supported by the substrate 61 with two supporting portions 56 and 57. Therefore, the constraint from the substrate 61 on the piezoelectric vibrating portion 60 becomes small. Thus, spurious responses are suppressed to some extent. However, similarly to the above example, the piezoelectric vibrating portion 60 is supported at symmetric positions with respect to the substrate 61, so that in particular, the laterally propagating acoustic wave modes cannot sufficiently be suppressed.
Furthermore, the conventional piezoelectric element shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B has the following problem. The piezoelectric vibrating portion 80 is supported by the substrate 81 with two supporting portions 74 and 75. The supporting portions 74 and 75 are line-symmetric with respect to a line segment L. Therefore, the piezoelectric vibrating portion 80 is easily twisted or easily vibrates in the width direction. Therefore, spurious responses (e.g., unwanted vibration including twist components or unwanted lateral vibration) caused by the symmetric property of the supporting portions 74 and 75 may occur, in addition to the longitudinal vibration in the thickness direction, which is the main resonance. Thus, in the conventional piezoelectric element shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, spurious responses cannot be suppressed effectively.
Furthermore, the conventional piezoelectric element shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B has the following problem. The piezoelectric vibrating portion 60 is supported by the substrate 61 with two supporting portions 56 and 57. The supporting portions 56 and 57 are point-symmetric with respect to a point O. Therefore, the piezoelectric vibrating portion 60 is easily twisted or easily vibrates in the width direction. Therefore, in this case as well, spurious responses (e.g., unwanted vibration including twist components or unwanted lateral vibration) caused by the symmetric property of the supporting portions 56 and 57 may occur, in addition to the longitudinal vibration in the thickness direction, which is the main resonance. Furthermore, the vibration mode that propagates in an oblique direction from the end portion of the upper electrode layer 63 or the lower electrode layer 64 is confined in the piezoelectric vibrating portion 60. The confined vibration mode causes spurious responses. Thus, in the conventional piezoelectric element shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B, spurious responses cannot be suppressed effectively.

Piezoelectric element, composite piezoelectric element, and filter, duplexer and communication equipment using the same

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A foldback circuit which responds to a voltage differential between the input and output terminals of a voltage regulator in excess of a foldback threshold by lowering the current limit threshold of a current limit circuit. The foldback circuit includes a transistor with a base coupled to the input voltage and an emitter coupled to the output voltage. The collector when conducting provides a current that decreases the current limit threshold. Diodes in the path between the input and output voltages through the transistor may be used in establishing the foldback threshold.

Internal protection circuits are provided in voltage regulators to prevent permanent damage that could occur under accidental overloads. Typically, protection against shortcircuits is provided by a current limit circuit, whereby the pass current flowing through a pass transistor is kept below a current limit threshold. For three-terminal voltage regulators, it is desirable for a current limit circuit to operate from the input-output voltage differential of the voltage regulator because the output terminal of the voltage regulator is used as a common reference. It is also desirable for a voltage regulator with a current limit circuit to have a low dropout voltage, typically in the neighborhood of 1 volt. Furthermore, it is desirable for the current limit threshold to have a negative temperature coefficient, so that the current limit threshold decreases as the temperature of the regulator increases.
Foldback circuits are also provided in voltage regulators to protect the pass transistor from second breakdown caused by thermal instabilities during high power operation. High power operation can result in the formation of hot spots within localized areas of the pass transistor, causing current conduction in the transistor to be non-uniform and concentrated at these hot spots, eventually leading to device burn-out. In order to avoid second breakdown, the device needs to be operated within its safe operating area under all operating conditions. A foldback circuit decreases the current limit threshold when the input-output voltage differential exceeds a given foldback threshold, thereby protecting the pass transistor from thermal runaway failure. As for the current limit circuit, it is desirable that a voltage regulator with a foldback circuit have a low dropout voltage, and that the foldback circuit operates from the voltage differential and has a foldback threshold with a negative temperature coefficient.

Temperature insensitive foldback network


An internal combustion engine is fuel injected. A controller either detects or calculates engine speed, throttle angle and a rate of change of the throttle angle. A first fuel injection amount is preset during a preset period of time following engine starting and subsequently controlled by the controller. While being controlled, an amount of fuel injected is comprised of two components: a base amount determined by engine speed and throttle angle and an additional amount determined by throttle angle and a rate of change in throttle angle. Ignition timing also can be varied in the two component manner as well.

This invention is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 11-310,797, filed Nov. 1, 1999, the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to fuel injection systems for internal combustion engines. More specifically, the present invention relates to control systems for fuel injection systems of such engines.
2. Related Art
In all fields of engine design, there is an increasing emphasis on obtaining more effective emission control, better fuel economy and, at the same time, increasing power output. This trend has resulted in the substitution of fuel injection systems for carburetors as the preferred air-fuel charge former.
Fuel injection systems typically inject fuel into air intake passage(s) or directly into combustion chamber(s) under the control of an electrically operated control unit. The control unit controls a volume of injected fuel. Typically, an engine speed sensor and a throttle valve position sensor are provided and respective signals from these sensors are used for determining suitable fuel volumes depending upon the sensed running condition of the engine. The fuel volumes are defined in a control map stored in the control unit. The control map can define the fuel volumes as corresponding to both the engine speed and the throttle valve position.
The signal from the throttle valve position sensor represents a volume of air introduced into the combustion chamber. The air amount, however, varies due to change of the atmospheric air pressure and other ambient conditions. In addition, the sensed level of air flow can be inaccurate due to flexing of a shaft on which the throttle valves are mounted. For instance, when the engine is being started, the engine may suddenly draw a large amount of air through the induction system and across the throttle valves. This sudden increase in air flow places a radial load on the throttle shaft. The radial load can cause the throttle valve shaft to flex and more air can pass beyond the throttle valves than the throttle valve sensor would indicate. Accordingly, the fuel injection amount may be inaccurate.
A need therefore exists for a fuel injection control system that would vary the amount of fuel injected during initial starting of the engine. In addition, to provide a more responsive fuel supply system, the amount of fuel injected can vary with engine speed and throttle position with a correction amount of fuel that depending on a rate of throttle position change.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention involves an engine for marine applications. The engine comprises at least one cylinder with a piston disposed within said cylinder. A cylinder head encloses a first end of said cylinder. A combustion chamber is at least partially defined by said cylinder, said piston and said cylinder head. An intake passage communicates with said cylinder head. A throttle valve is disposed along said intake passage. A throttle valve position sensor is adapted to detect a position of said throttle valve. A fuel injector is positioned downstream of said throttle valve. A fuel control system is capable of increasing a supplied amount of fuel in proportion to a rate of change of said position of said throttle valve and does not increase said supplied amount of fuel for a preset period following engine start.
Another aspect of the present invention involves a method of controlling a fuel injected engine. The method comprises engaging a starter motor, presetting a first fuel injection amount, decreasing said first fuel injection amount over a preset period of time, sensing a throttle position and controlling said fuel injection amount based at least in part upon said sensed throttle position after said preset period of time has elapsed.
A further aspect of the present invention involves an engine for marine applications. The engine comprises at least one cylinder with a piston disposed within said cylinder. A cylinder head encloses a first end of said cylinder. A combustion chamber is at least partially defined by said cylinder, said piston and said cylinder head. An intake passage communicates with said cylinder head. A throttle valve is disposed along said intake passage. A throttle valve position sensor is adapted to detect a position of said throttle valve. A fuel injector is positioned downstream of said throttle valve. Means are provided for increasing an amount of fuel injected based at least partially upon a rate of throttle valve movement only after a preset period of time has elapsed.

Fuel injection control system for marine engines


A nonwoven fiber product comprising a first nonwoven fiber batt, a second nonwoven fiber batt, and a separator layer attached to each of the first fiber batt and the second fiber batt, the separator layer physically separating the first fiber batt and the second fiber batt, wherein upon application of a tensile force to the nonwoven fiber product, the first fiber batt remains attached to the separator layer and the second fiber batt separates from the separator layer. An article of furniture may incorporate the nonwoven fiber product, and/or a method for manufacturing an article of furniture may utilize the nonwoven fiber product. The nonwoven fiber product may also be utilized on an article of furniture require two different thicknesses of cushioning material.

Furniture is manufactured by attaching cushioning materials to a frame and covering the cushioning materials with upholstery. More specifically, furniture manufacturers make an article of furniture by assembling a frame typically from wood, covering the frame with cushioning material such as nonwoven fiber batts or polymeric foam, and upholstering the cushioned frame with a decorative fabric. When manufacturing an article of furniture, furniture manufacturers need cushioning material of various weights per unit surface area (weights) and thicknesses because not all parts of an article of furniture have the same amount of cushioning. In order to obtain cushioning material of various weights and thicknesses, furniture manufacturers sometimes separate thicker cushioning material into a plurality of thinner cushioning materials by pulling the cushioning materials apart. However, many cushioning materials do not separate with a substantially uniform weight and substantially planar surface when a tensile force is applied across the thickness of the cushioning material. The cushioning material has to have a substantially uniform weight and planar surface so that the cushioning material provides a consistent level of support, does not create surface irregularities or feel non-uniform. To achieve a substantially uniform weight and planar surface, the cushioning material has to be cut with a hot wire or saw. The use of a hot wire or saw within the furniture manufacturing facility is not preferred because it increases the capital investment in and operating costs of the facility.
Due to the complexity associated with separating cushioning materials at the manufacturing facility, furniture manufacturers stock cushioning materials of various weights and thicknesses. However, stocking cushioning materials of various weights and thicknesses consumes a large amount of space in the manufacturing facility. Furniture manufacturers would have more room for furniture manufacturing operations if a cushioning material existed that could be easily separated by hand into two pieces, each having a substantially uniform weight and planar surface. Because no such cushioning material currently exists, a need exists for a cushioning material that can be separated by hand into a plurality of cushioning pieces, each with substantially uniform weight and planar surface.
Another problem that furniture manufacturers encounter is that the various surfaces of an article of furniture require cushioning materials having different thicknesses. For example, the inside of a chair back is more heavily cushioned than the outside of a chair back. The difference in cushioning is the result of the application of thicker cushioning material to the inside of the chair back compared with the outside of the chair back. Currently, no single piece of cushioning material can be applied to both the inside of the chair back and the outside of the chair back to achieve the required level of cushioning on each surface. If a cushioning material existed that could be separated into two cushioning materials of differing thicknesses, then the manufacturing facility could separate the cushioning material into the two separate pieces of cushioning material and apply each piece to different portions of the article of furniture, such as the inside and the outside of a chair back. Alternatively, the cushioning material could remain unseparated and applied to portions of the article of furniture that require even greater cushioning, such as the chair seat. If it existed, such a cushioning material would reduce the time and complexity of the manufacturing process, thereby allowing a furniture manufacturer to produce an article of furniture quicker, easier, and at a reduced cost. Therefore, a need exists for a cushioning material that can be separated into a plurality of pieces of cushioning material of various thicknesses, such that the pieces of cushioning material can be applied to various portions of an article of furniture requiring different thicknesses, thereby allowing a single cushioning material to be able to upholster an article of furniture where currently multiple pieces of cushioning material are required.
Yet another problem encountered at furniture manufacturing facilities is that relatively thin areas of the cushioning material may be punctured before the article of furniture is upholstered. For example, when a relatively thin high-loft nonwoven fiber batt, such as a one-half-inch thick high-loft nonwoven fiber batt, is attached between the span separating two pieces of the wood frame, the relatively thin fiber batt may be accidentally punctured by fingers, tools, machinery, and any other objects moving around within the manufacturing facility. The puncture in the cushioning material creates a flaw in the feel of the article of furniture once upholstered. Although thicker cushioning materials are not as susceptible to the puncturing problem, thicker cushioning materials are not practical for some parts of an article of furniture, such as a chair back or the outside of an armrest. Moreover, none of the existing cushioning materials contain a puncture resistant exterior layer. Consequently, a need exists for a cushioning material that contains a layer of material with sufficient strength to prevent accidental puncture of the cushioning material by objects such as fingers, tools, and machinery.


A liquid crystal display apparatus, includes a liquid crystal display panel including a first substrate provided on a display light receiving side, and a second substrate provided on a display light exiting side so as to oppose the first substrate with a liquid crystal material interposed therebetween, the liquid crystal display panel having a bright dot defect portion therein, wherein: the first substrate includes a light-blocking portion formed in a region thereof corresponding to the bright dot defect portion; and the second substrate includes a light-collecting portion formed in a region thereof corresponding to the bright dot defect portion.

Typically, in a liquid crystal display apparatus, the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in each pixel portion is controlled by switching the presence/absence of an applied voltage across the liquid crystal layer in the pixel portion of the display screen so as to modulate the degree by which light is transmitted/scattered by the pixel portion, thereby displaying characters, images, etc., on the display screen.
In such a liquid crystal display apparatus, in a normally black mode, for example, where black display is achieved in the absence of applied voltage across the liquid crystal layer, there may occur shorting between wires and electrodes, defects of the TFT (thin film transistor) as a pixel switching element, etc., in each pixel portion. In such a case, a voltage remains to be applied across the liquid crystal layer in the pixel portion, and that pixel portion is seen as a tiny bright dot, resulting in a display defect. An orientation disturbance caused by a foreign particle, or the like, attached on the substrate surface also causes light leakage, which is seen as a tiny bright dot, resulting in a display defect.
As a technique addressing such a display defect, Patent Document 1, for example, discloses a liquid crystal display apparatus, in which a concave portion is formed at a position on the surface of at least one of a pair of substrates that is opposite to the liquid crystal layer side, the surface position optically coinciding with the portion of a bright dot defect, wherein a light-blocking material is provided on the inside of the concave portion, and the concave portion with the light-blocking material thereon is filled with a curable resin to thereby flatten the surface thereof. It describes that a bright dot defect can be repaired without requiring special equipment or complicated work and without causing defects such as bubbles between the polarizer and the liquid crystal panel.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-189360

Liquid crystal display apparatus and process for manufacturing the same


A toothpick assembly including a toothpick and a case within which the toothpick is detachably engaged. The toothpick includes a tapered tip which is generally triangular in cross-section having opposed sides connected by a generally flat end and an apex. A bristle array is provided on each side and the end and apex are free of bristles. The bristle array is configured as a sinuous or serpentine wave. Bristles in each array are smallest closest to an end of the tip and progressively increase in size as you move away therefrom. The toothpick is movable within the case's bore between a fully retracted, a partially extended and a fully extended position. A locking mechanism selectively locks the toothpick in any of these positions. When the toothpick is to be changed, the locking mechanism is disengaged and the toothpick is slid out of the bore and is replaced with another toothpick.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to dental products and their use. More particularly, this invention relates to a dental care product for removing food particles and plaque from interdental spaces. Specifically, the invention is directed to a toothpick having a tapered end which is triangular in cross-section and has bristles on two opposed sides. The bristles are configured in a serpentine wave on each side. An end face and an apex of the tapered end are free of bristles and one of these bristle-free regions is positioned adjacent the gingiva when the toothpick is used. The bristle arrays sweep particulate material from the sides of the teeth which bound the interdental space as the toothpick is moved back and forth. The bristle free region adjacent the gingiva helps ensure the gingiva is not unnecessarily irritated by this cleaning motion.
2. Background Information
Dental floss is used to remove residual food particles and plaque from the spaces between the teeth. Many people find floss difficult to use or they fail to use it in the most effective manner. Studies have therefore indicated that floss is not a particularly effective tool in preventing plaque build-up, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Toothpicks may be used to remove food particles from some spaces between the teeth but these devices typically do not clean the teeth effectively. Toothbrushes are also typically unable to penetrate far into and therefore clean the interproximal/interdental spaces adequately. The build-up of food particles and plaque in these spaces can lead to bad breath, infection and staining of the teeth. It is generally considered that if people have a dental care product which is both easy to use and effective, they will be more likely to include the use of that product in their daily dental routine.
In order to provide devices which clean interdental spaces, some have proposed adding bristles to toothpicks to make them more effective cleaning tools. For example, US Publication No. 2008/0251098 (Chen) discloses a toothpick which comprises a rod having bristles at one end. The tip of the rod is circular in cross-sectional shape and the bristles radiate outwardly from the circumferential exterior surface of the rod's tip. Bristles also extend outwardly and forwardly from the tip. One of the issues with this device is that because the bristles radiate outwardly in all directions, the bristles will come into contact with the gingiva when the toothpick is moved back and forth and up and down to remove food particles from the teeth and from the interdental space. The sandpapering effect of these bristles will irritate the gingival tissue. To address this problem, Chen has proposed coating the bristles with one of a variety of substances, such as toothpaste. The idea is that when these coated bristles contact the gingiva, the substance will help the bristles glide over the gingival tissue and thereby be less inclined to cut into and irritate that tissue. While this coating helps address the problems caused by raking the bristles over the gums, it does not completely eliminate this issue. Furthermore, the coating could also have the tendency to render the bristles slightly ineffective at cleaning food particles from the teeth because the coating acts as a lubricant which causes the bristles to easily glide across the food particles and tooth surfaces.
There is therefore a need in the art for an improved toothpick device for cleaning interproximal/interdental spaces.

Bristled toothpick assembly and method of using the same


A vacuum control system controls the amount of time that pressure is applied to a breast and the amount of time no pressure is applied to the breast, independent of the vacuum level. The amount of time that pressure is applied to a breast and the amount of vacuum applied to the breast cups can be varied by the user. A disposable biological filter isolates the pump from the breast cups. The biological filter is packaged in a housing that has an O-ring push-in connector to connect the collection system to the pump. The vacuum applied to the breast cups is monitored. The control system maintains the vacuum at a level set by the user. A second higher level is used as a safety threshold. The control system shuts down the pump when this higher level is sensed. The breast cup is constructed to provide a controlled collapse when vacuum is applied to mimic the suckling of an infant.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to improvements in breast pumps and, more particularly, pertains to a new and improved method and apparatus for extracting milk from the breast.
2. Description of Related Art
Most prior art breast pumps designed for extracting milk are concerned only with controlling the rate at which a negative pressure is applied to the breast and, in some cases, the amount of negative pressure. An example of an electric breast pump which does more than this is illustrated in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,163 granted May 7, 2002 to two of the three named joint inventors of the present invention. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,163 is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
Although the prior art breast pumps and, specifically, the prior art breast pump described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,163 are very effective, these prior art pumps do not contemplate controlling the refractory time of the suction cycle. The result is that the pump is not as efficient as it could be in removing the breast milk. As a result of this decreased efficiency, a longer overall pumping period is required. The longer period increases the physical demands on the user. Moreover, most prior art breast pumps only apply a suction face to the breast for expressing the mother's milk.
The present invention, on the other hand, is much more efficient than the prior art devices. The present invention allows the user to control the amount of time within a suction cycle that pressure is applied to the breast and the amount of time that no pressure is applied to the breast, independently of the frequency of the suction cycle. Control of the refractory time results in a substantial increase in the amount of milk collected over a given time period. The use of a breast cup that collapses in a progressive manner mimicking a suckling infant facilitates an efficient or comfortable expression of the mother's milk.


There is described a microwave device and methods of operating same. The device comprises at least one superconducting qubit coupled to a transmission line defining a first port, and a filter. The filter comprises a first resonant element having a first resonance frequency f1, positioned along the transmission line between the first port and the qubit, and a second resonant element having a second resonance frequency f2 different from f1 and positioned along the transmission line between the first resonant element and the qubit.

Superconducting qubits are among the leading candidates to implement a quantum processor. Depending on how the quantum information is encoded, the superconducting qubits are generally categorized into three categories: charge qubits (including transmon qubits), flux qubits, and phase qubits.
In order to measure the state of a qubit, the qubit may be coupled to a microwave resonator. The resonance frequency of the microwave resonator shifts based on the quantum state of the qubit. This provides a methodology to read the state of the qubit by probing the resonance frequency of the microwave resonator. This may be achieved by coupling the microwave resonator to a microwave transmission line and measuring the amplitude and phase of a probe signal. One drawback of this scheme is that the microwave transmission line provides a channel for the qubit to decay by spontaneous emission. This has a detrimental effect on the lifetime of the qubit.
Therefore, improvements are needed.

Microwave device and method of operation


An electronic unit includes: an electronic device; and a protective film including an aluminum oxide layer and silicon oxide, the aluminum oxide layer with which the electronic device is covered, and the silicon oxide being scattered on a surface of the aluminum oxide layer.

The present disclosure relates to an electronic unit, an optical disk unit, a display unit, and an image pickup unit each of which includes a protective film.
In recent years, various kinds of laser diode devices (semiconductor light-emitting devices) have been widely used as light sources for optical disk recording and reproduction units. Recently, as light sources for next-generation high-density optical disks with high recording density, demand for blue-violet laser diode devices using a Group III-V nitride semiconductor such as gallium nitride (GaN) has been increased.
A protective film made of an oxide is formed on a resonator end surface of each of these laser diode devices to prevent entry of water from outside and to prevent deterioration of and damage to the laser diode devices. For such a protective film, SiO2, SiN, AlO, AlN, and the like are used (for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011-060932, 2007-324193, 2003-332032, 2006-041403, and 2007-189097).

Electronic unit, optcal disk knit, display unit, and image pickup unit


A worm speed reducer consisting of a worm made of a relatively hard material such as cast iron or steel and a worm wheel made of a relatively hard material such as cast iron. A material strength is set so that an amount of wear of the worm becomes larger than that of the worm wheel. A tooth surface of the worm wheel is formed with a network irregularity extending in both a direction of a cutting scratch due to cutting and a direction intersecting the direction of the cutting scratch, and also formed with a chemical conversion coating having a thickness smaller than a height of the irregularity. A tooth surface of the worm is formed with a network irregularity extending in both a direction of a cutting scratch due to cutting (or a grinding scratch due to grinding) and a direction intersecting the direction of the cutting scratch (or the grinding scratch) of the worm, and also formed with a chemical conversion coating having a thickness smaller than a height of the irregularity of the worm. Accordingly, seizure resistance can be maintained not only in an initial stage of operation but also after operating the worm speed reducer for a long period of time, irrespective of the use of low-cost cast iron.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a worm and a worm wheel to be used for a worm speed reducer, and also relates to a manufacturing method for such a worm and a worm wheel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a known worm speed reducer is constituted of a worm 2 formed on a worm shaft 1 as an input shaft and a worm wheel 4 fixed to an output shaft 3. The worm 2 and the worm wheel 4 are in mesh with each other so as to perform rolling and sliding motion through tooth surfaces thereof and transmit power as well as the motion. In the worm speed reducer shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, rotation of the worm shaft 1 is reduced in speed to be transmitted to the output shaft 3.
In a worm speed reducer, even when a worm and a worm wheel are identical in dimension with other ones, they are very different in allowable transmitting horsepower and seizure resistance from the other ones according to a manner of combination of materials. In general, a problem occurring most frequently in a worm speed reducer to be operated continuously is seizure of tooth surfaces, so that seizure resistance is a greatly important factor.
As an example of a worm speed reducer improved in seizure resistance, it is known that surface-hardened alloy steel is employed for the material of a worm and it is ground with a high accuracy, while a relatively soft bronze material such as phosphor bronze or aluminum bronze is employed for the material of a worm wheel, in order to provide good fit between the worm and the worm wheel.
However, the precision grinding of the worm causes an increase in manufacturing cost, and the employment of the bronze material for the worm wheel causes an increase in material cost itself. Although a worm speed reducer can provide a large reduction ratio in one stage and employs a small number of parts, it becomes expensive to improve seizure resistance.
In contrast, as a low-cost worm speed reducer, it is known that an iron material is employed for both a worm wheel and a worm. For example, cast iron is employed for the material of the worm wheel, and cast iron or steel is employed for the worm. The worm is manufactured by cutting only without performing precision grinding.
However, in such a low-cost worm speed reducer, seizure resistance of the material itself is low, and it is difficult to finish a tooth surface of the worm with a high hardness and a high accuracy. For this reason, an allowable transmitting torque is low, and a lubricating condition in an initial stage of operation becomes severe in association with a machining error. Accordingly, sufficient break-in must be performed to obtain good fit between tooth surfaces of the worm and the worm wheel.
Further, it is also generally known to form a chemical conversion coating such as a phosphate coating on a contact surface (tooth surface) of a gear, thereby reducing a coefficient of friction of the contact surface owing to the chemical conversion coating. A coefficient of friction of the chemical conversion coating itself is not low, but the coefficient of friction of the contact surface is reduced by retaining a large amount of lubricating oil in a fine irregularity formed on the contact surface.
Accordingly, although it is considered that the above known chemical conversion coating is to be formed on a contact surface of a worm, since the chemical conversion coating itself is apt to wear, it will be peeled off in a short time. Thus, the effect of the chemical conversion coating will disappear during an initial low-load operation of break-in of a worm speed reducer, so that improvement in transmitting torque cannot be expected.
On the other hand, it is also known that a network groove having a width of about 20.mu. and a depth of about 30.mu. at a pitch of about 50.mu. is formed on a tooth surface (contact surface) of a relatively soft gear (worm wheel) of a pair of gears meshing with each other, thereby retaining a lubricating oil in the network groove to improve a lubricating ability during break-in of the gears (see Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-8278).
However, such a worm wheel is manufactured by preliminarily finely grinding the contact surface of the gear and then forming the network groove on the contact surface. Accordingly, a manufacturing step is increased to cause an increase in cost. Furthermore, since a soft material, e.g., a bronze material is required for the worm wheel, the cost is further increased from the viewpoint of the material.
Moreover, since the pitch of the network groove is large, a contact load strongly acts on a crest portion of the irregular contact surface to possibly increase wear of the contact surface. Further, since the network groove is constructed so as to become effective only in break-in and it will disappear by the time the break-in is ended, the improvement in the lubricating ability is temporary.
Additionally, since the network groove formed on the contact surface of the worm wheel is intended to improve the lubricating ability only during break-in, the irregularity on the contact surface due to the network groove will be worn off during a period of time such as by the time the break-in is ended. For this reason, a chemical conversion coating is not formed on the irregularity.
In general, meshing contact surfaces of a worm and a worm wheel of a worm speed reducer are required to have a high precision, so that they are finished by cutting or grinding. In case of requiring a low cost, the tooth surface of the worm is finished by cutting with a milling cutter 6 as shown in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 6, a contact surface 5 of the worm 2 formed on the worm shaft 1 is cut in a tooth trace direction X by the milling cutter 6. As a result, a cutting scratch consisting of a crest portion A and a trough portion B as shown in FIG. 1(a) is formed on the contact surface of the worm 2 in a tooth depth direction Y (perpendicular to the tooth trace direction X). The crest portion A and the trough portion B are substantially smooth in the tooth trace direction X as shown in FIG. 1(b).
Similarly, a cutting scratch consisting of a crest portion C and a trough portion D as shown in FIG. 1(c) is formed on a contact surface 7 of the worm wheel 4 in a tooth depth direction V (see FIG. 8). The crest portion C and the trough portion D are substantially smooth in a tooth trace direction U (see FIG. 8) as shown in FIG. 1(d).
As shown in FIGS. 2(e) to 2(h), in the case that a chemical conversion coating F such as a phosphate coating, an oxalate coating or a chromate coating is formed on the contact surface of the worm and the worm wheel shown in FIGS. 1(a) to 1(d), the chemical conversion coating F at the crest portion A of the worm meshing with the worm wheel is peeled off in a short time, and the chemical conversion coating F at the crest portion C of the worm wheel meshing with the worm is also peeled off in a short time.
Accordingly, no lubricating oil film is formed between the tooth surfaces of the worm and the worm wheel because of contact of the crest portions A and C. That is, the tooth surfaces contact each other in the condition of boundary lubrication or direct contact, causing the occurrence of seizure of the tooth surfaces. Therefore, a transmitting torque of the prior art worm speed reducer is limited by the seizure of the tooth surfaces.

Worm speed reducer, and manufacturing method for worm and worm wheel


A measurement apparatus and method for triggering and making analog measurements of radio frequency (RF) bursts in a time domain multiple access communications system. An RF level detector or edge detector triggers an analog sampler which acquires measurement data from a spectrum analyzer or an RF peak detector. A digital signal processor processes the RF burst to detect a known bit sequence and calculates a timing relationship between the triggering of measurement samples and transmitted data bits in the RF burst. A host processor uses the calculated timing relationship to identify and analyze the measurement data pertaining to desired measurements of the RF burst.

TDMA communications systems typically comprise a large number of individual radio transceiver units, often originating with different manufacturers. In order to function properly, it is necessary that all units operating within the system function according to the same specifications. An example of this is the proposed Group Speciale Mobile (GSM) pan-European digital cellular system. This system would require that all components, such as transmitters and receivers, be manufactured to standard specifications measured by a common method.
In a TDMA system, digital information intended for a single receiver out of many is modulated onto a single frequency signal transmitted to all receivers. Multiple users of a single frequency signal are accommodated by allowing access to the signal by each individual user at different time intervals. In the GSM system, the timed access is divided into groups of eight time frames. Each time frame is an allotted time interval for one radio frequency (RF) burst containing digital information meant for an individual receiver. Obviously, in such a time dependent system, the timing of an analog measurement to determine conformance with a specification must be coordinated with the digital information in a RF burst in order to obtain meaningful measurement results. However, in a RF communications system, it is not always possible to have a trigger signal available to trigger the measurements. In these circumstances, it is necessary to trigger the measurement from the RF signal itself.
Existing measurement devices do not have the capacity of generating a trigger signal and determining its timing relationship to digital information in an RF burst from the RF burst itself. Instead, these prior devices require a direct, hard-wired connection to the TDMA system's frame clock to provide a trigger signal. Additionally, in order to coordinate the frame clock trigger signal with analog measurements of the RF burst, the user must provide the measurement device with a known timing relationship between the trigger signal and the RF burst on the TDMA system's signal. Thus, the user must know the location, in time, of the trigger signal relative to the RF burst to be measured. Some examples of these prior devices are the Hewlett-Packard (HP) 71125C, HP 71250C and HP 8591A with HP 85715A personality.
The present invention makes possible the triggering of analog measurements such as peak power of the RF signal, pulse on/off ratio of the RF burst or adjacent channel interference, from the RF burst itself. When triggered, these analog measurements are stored as a trace sample. The invention triggers the measurements by generating a trigger pulse when a rising RF level is detected in the TDMA signal. Although the illustrated embodiment of this invention uses RF level detection for triggering, edge detection of the rising edge of the RF burst can alternatively be implemented. Through digital signal processing (DSP) of the TDMA signal, the digital data transmitted by the radio under test is demodulated. The digital signal processor then searches for a predetermined midamble in the data from the RF burst that is used to synchronize to the data. Once synchronized, the DSP analyzer can determine the location of the trigger relative to the beginning of the data in the RF burst, to generate a timing reference. With the trigger pulse signal and the timing reference information, the invention is able to correctly identify which elements in the trace sample are to be used for analog measurements of the TDMA signal.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Method and apparatus for triggering measurements from a TDMA signal


A storage system includes an object storage server and a storage client, the object storage server obtains an object migration policy of a source bucket, where the object migration policy indicates a condition for migrating an object from the source bucket to a destination bucket in a plurality of buckets, and the object storage server migrates a first object in the source bucket to the destination bucket according to the policy migration policy when determining that the first object meets the object migration policy of the source bucket.

An OBS is an object-based massive storage service, and provides capabilities of massive, secure, reliable, and low-cost data storage for a customer. The OBS is a service oriented towards Internet access, and provides a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)/HTTP Secure (HTTPS) protocol-based web service interface. A user may access an Internet computer anytime anywhere, and access and manage, using a client or a software development kit (SDK), data stored in the OBS. In an OBS scenario, a user file is stored on the cloud in a form of an object, a storage carrier is named a bucket, and a user may manage data of the user by performing operations such as creating, modifying, maintaining, or deleting a bucket, and uploading, downloading, or deleting an object in the bucket. Generally, both an advanced function and a value-added service of a system are configured on a bucket, and the advanced function and the value-added service are provided at a granularity of the bucket. However, in other approaches, when cross-bucket migration management needs to be performed on an object, the object can be manually migrated between different buckets by a user only based on an actual service status. In addition, in some service occasions, the user cannot be aware of an operation status of an object, for example, a frequency of accessing the object, and consequently manual cross-bucket migration cannot be completed based on the operation status of the object.

Object migration method, device, and system

HUAWEI CLOUD COMPUTING TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.


An absorbent article has an outer cover at least in part defining the outer surface of the article and a liner in opposed relationship with the outer cover and at least in part defining the inner surface of the article. An absorbent structure is disposed between the liner and the outer cover. At least one graphic is visible from the inner surface of the article. The at least one graphic disposed intermediate the inner surface and the outer surface of the article and being free from direct contact with the liner. The article being configured such that the graphic is visible from the inner surface of the article. A process for manufacturing an absorbent article having a graphic visible from the inner surface of the article is provided.

Absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinence garments, and the like conventionally include a liquid permeable body-facing liner, a liquid-impermeable outer cover, an absorbent core (also referred to as an absorbent body or absorbent structure), and in some instances, graphics visible on the exterior surface of the article. The graphics may provide a decorative feature, and particularly when used in connection with children's training pants, may be used to make the pants appear similar to conventional underwear. Further, the graphics may also be used to encourage training and/or be used to make the training experience more enjoyable and a generally positive experience. For example, the graphics may be used to allow the caregiver to interact with the wearer in the training setting.
Accordingly, the graphics may take various forms, such as in the form of a character, object and/or alphanumeric (e.g., numbers, words, phrases, instructions, etc.), and the like. Moreover, at least some of the graphics may be "active graphics" configured to be capable of appearing or disappearing when the article is exposed to liquid, such as urine. These graphics can alert the wearer and the caregiver to the occurrence of urine in the article (i.e., an "accident"), and can assist in the training process. Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,424, incorporated by reference herein for all purposes, for additional background information regarding graphics visible on the external surface of the article.
Nonetheless, such graphics, in certain circumstances, may not be completely satisfactory. For example, in some configurations, appearing or disappearing graphics visible on the exterior of the article may require a considerable amount of liquid, or multiple accidents, before the graphics are caused to appear or disappear. Additionally, graphics visible on the exterior of the article do not necessarily motivate the wearer to pull the article up and down for inspection, which can be a key training step.
There is a need, therefore, to provide a suitable training tool that can help notify the wearer of any accidents, even if the accident is relatively small in volume. In addition, there is a need for a training tool that encourages the wearer to practice pulling the article up and down to check the status of a graphic visible from the bodyside of the absorbent article. Further, there is a need for a training tool that has a graphic visible from the bodyside of the absorbent article that does not bleed onto the skin of the wearer.
Furthermore, a need exists to reduce capital costs by more efficiently utilizing space on the manufacturing room floor and more efficiently incorporating the process for printing the graphics into the existing process for manufacturing the absorbent article.

Absorbent article having an interior graphic


Disclosed is a tail connected to and about an electrical connector and an electrical cable. The tail having a connector end and a conductor end and neck portion formed therebetween whereby the bending focal point is moved from the terminus of the conductor end and the cable to the neck portion of the tail.

Underwater electrical cables and marine conductors in general cause major problems when they begin to leak. In some instances leakage is common due to the fact that such cables, and their connectors, commonly operate in subsurface environments, or in near surface atmospheric environments characterized by extreme salt and humidity, wave action, tugging and bending due to ships, boats or other vehicles and exposure to varying weather and environments. The primary sealing means in underwater connectors is generally the insulation encapsulating the strands of individual conductors, or it is an encapsulating material, such as plastic, around the housing of the connector constructed of stainless steal, plastic, high tech plastic or any alloy used for the connector. Frequently, these connectors are made of corrosion resistant metals, such as stainless steel, or the like, and are coated with a plastic or other resistant coating for the purpose of precluding entry of moisture.
Further, in marine seismic operations, underwater electrical plugs or connectors are needed to connect power and instrumentation conductors to other equipment, such as seismic sound generators, i.e. air guns. These "guns" are used as a sound source to obtain acoustic reflections from the sea-floor. Typically, they are fired every ten to fifteen seconds producing extremely strong pressure waves. As a result, the electrical, cables, conductors, and connectors are subjected to a great deal of structural abuse, and normally not last for extended periods of time before developing leaks or other operational defects. Typically, these components, such as electrical connectors, are exposed to such blasting forces and also to the extremely adverse nature of the environment and will not last long if they are not able to withstand the conditions. Therefore, all of the electrical connectors and other components used in these harshest of environments must necessarily withstand repeated explosive forces on their exteriors while allowing for a degree of flexibility within lest the internal conductor be jolted loose from its external housing.
Underwater electrical cables are also subject to movement due to currents, wave action, and the general movement of their fluid environment, which can cause the electrical cables to move in any variety of directions and to be tugged and yanked by the motion of the water. Underwater equipment is frequently connected to instruments on the surface, often to floating rigs on the surface of the water. The motion of the floating rig in relation to the underwater equipment produces great stress on the underwater electrical cable particularly at the cable connection to the underwater equipment. In particular, the connectors endure severe tugging and bending due to the vessel or ship and due to the energy emitted by the guns.
Generally underwater marine connectors are provided with a reinforced tail, which is a sheath of reinforcement around the cable insulation from the electrical connection to some point along the insulate electrical conducting cable to prevent excessive bending at the point where the rigid connector and the conductor are connected. This connector tail of reinforced insulating material protects the electrical cable from excessive bending, at the point where the conductor connects to the connector portion, which might crack the insulating material, exposing the electrical conductor to the water and creating a short of the electrical current. Electrical cables are particularly susceptible to such excessive bending near the point of connection between the electrical cable and the underwater equipment because the equipment fixes the one end of the cable in place, allowing no mobility of the cable to relieve bending stresses on the cable.
Prior Art tails create the bending focal point at the junction of the tail and the main conductor cable. This is because the prior art tails form a substantially rigid and extended reinforced section at the connection between the connector and the cable, thereby moving the bending point from the connection at the connector and cable to the end of the reinforced tail and the more limber and flexible cable. In such an instance, the tail itself, rather than protecting the cable from leakage, can become a source of resistance on the cable and increase the chances that the cable will split and leak at the focal point.
In the electrical connector tail of the present invention, the bending focal point is moved from the end or terminus of the tail, where the tail and cable meet to a point on the tail itself where the tail provides additional strength to the insulated conductors. This movement of the bending point is achieved by providing a reduced cross-sectional portion or neck portion in the tail. Because this neck portion is close to the connector end and conductor connection the bending occurs at the neck of the tail as opposed to the at the terminus of the tail where the insulated conductor provides little strength.
The problem of conductor cable leakage or breakage of the conductor at the junction of the cable and the connector tail is not limited to underwater or marine environments, but is also a problem in any situation where excessive bending of an electrical conductor threatens to compromise the integrity of the electrical circuit.


A pocket hand tool comprises a tubular shank (1) with a hexagonal bore, the proximal end (1c) being provided with an aperture (3) and a slot (6) for receiving a bit retainer clip (4) and a coin (8)/door key (8′) respectively. The clip thus serves a dual function and the slot enables the torque applied by the tool to be increased by using the coin as a handle.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,812 discloses a pocket screwdriver having a tubular shank with a distal bore portion for driving a standard removable screwdriver bit, an intermediate bore portion for storing a standard removable screwdriver bit, and a proximal portion which is closed by a torque cap. The torque cap is in the form of a rod inserted in the bore and after being removed from the bore can be inserted through diametrically opposite holes formed in the wall of the proximal portion to amplify the torque applied by the tubular shank.
However the torque cap adds significantly to the size and weight of the screwdriver and requires detent balls to retain it in the bore.


A system and related architecture for providing random access cache storage between a processor accessing data at high speed and in small block units and a mass storage medium holding data in large transfer units. Lossless data compression is applied to large transfer units of data before storage in a DRAM. Cache address space is assigned in allocation units which are assigned without a prespecified pattern within the DRAM but linked through chains. The chain lengths are adjusted to match the compressibility characteristics of transfer units and include resources for scavenging residuals. Logical blocks materially smaller than the transfer units are accessed and decompressed during readout from the DRAM. The system architecture provides resources for accessing the individual logical blocks through an index. The invention is particularly suited for a disk drive cache system having a small cache DRAM in conjunction with a magnetic or optical disk mass storage system reading highly compressible data.

High volume, nonvolatile data storage devices such as magnetic or optical disks, tapes, PCMCIA cards, or the like, are commonly used with computer systems to store large quantities of read accessed data. Studies of computer systems accessing data from such mass storage media have established that data caching can materially improve the computer system performance, especially where the bulk of the data being processed is read in large units from the storage media, such as is common with CD video processing. Furthermore, studies have established that the larger the cache size the better the performance improvement. Such system level performance effects are somewhat expected given that the data storage media operate at average data transfer rates anywhere from 1 to 3 orders of magnitude slower than the capabilities of the processors.
An ideal mass storage media cache is adequate in size to receive and store multiple, relatively large, units of data, each unit being composed of tens of thousand of bytes. Though the transfer of data from the mass storage media to such a cache is accomplished in large units, it occurs at a relatively slow average data read rate. In contrast, the reading of data from the cache is conventionally performed using smaller units, but at faster data transfer rates. Given that a relatively large cache is needed to materially improve computer system performance, and the cost of DRAM cache is often a significant part of the storage media cost, cache size is often compromised to provide a lower mass storage media component cost. A particular example is the highly competitive magnetic hard disk drive marketplace, where there is constant contention between reducing the mass storage media component cost and improving its data transfer rate performance.
Though data compression techniques have been utilized to reduce memory size in various data processing applications, lossless data compression has not been applied to mass storage media cache systems. In part, this is attributable to the compressibility variations experienced with lossless data compression, as affected by the data content. Because the compressibility of data units vary unpredictably, cache storage allocation and deallocation control, as well as the high data compression and decompression speeds required, have proven to be major obstacles. Therefore, though the concept of compressing data for storage in a cache is a recognized desirable design objective, the realization of the result in an efficient and fast system has heretofore been lacking.
Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method by which data retrieved from a mass storage media can be compressed, stored in a fast and efficiently managed cache, randomly accessed from the cache, and timely decompressed for transmission to the data processing system.

International Business Machiness Corporation


In an embodiment, a method of forming a field plate in an elongate active trench of a transistor device is provided. The elongate active trench includes a first insulating material lining the elongate active trench and surrounding a gap and first conductive material filling the gap. The method includes selectively removing a first portion of the first insulating material using a first etch process, selectively removing a portion of the first conductive material using a second etch process, and forming a field plate in a lower portion of the elongate active trench and selectively removing a second portion of the first insulating material using a third etch process. The first etch process is carried out before the second etch process and the second etch process is carried out before the third etch process.

Transistors used in power electronic applications may be fabricated with silicon semiconductor materials. Common transistor devices for power applications include silicon CoolMOS®, silicon power MOSFETs and silicon insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). A transistor device for power applications may be based on the charge compensation principle and may include an active cell field including a plurality of elongate trenches, each including a field plate for charge compensation. The trenches and the mesas that are formed between adjacent trenches each have an elongate striped structure. DE 10 2011 054 372B4 discloses a method for fabricating a transistor structure including a plurality of trenches which include a field plate and a gate electrode positioned above the field plate in the trenches. However, further improvements would be desirable in order to further improve the reliability of these types of transistor devices.

Transistor device and method of forming a field plate in an elongate active trench of a transistor device


In an extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus generating an extreme ultraviolet light from a plasma generated by irradiating a target, which is a droplet D of molten Sn, with a laser light, and controlling the flow direction of ion generated at the generation of the extreme ultraviolet light by a magnetic field or an electric field, an ion collection cylinder 20 is arranged for collecting the ion, and ion collision surfaces Sa and Sb of the ion collection cylinder 20 are provided with or coated with Si, which is a metal whose sputtering rate with respect to the ion is less than one atom/ion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus generating an extreme ultraviolet light from plasma generated by irradiating a target with a laser light.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, along with a progress in miniaturization of semiconductor device, miniaturization of transcription pattern used in photolithography in a semiconductor process has developed rapidly. In the next generation, microfabrication to the extent of 65 nm to 32 nm, or even to the extent of 30 nm and beyond will be required. Therefore, in order to comply with the demand of microfabrication to the extent of 30 nm and beyond, development of such exposure apparatus combining an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light source for a wavelength of about 13 nm and a reduced projection reflective optics is expected.
As the EUV light source, there are three possible types, which are a laser produced plasma (LPP) light source using plasma generated by irradiating a target with a laser beam, a discharge produced plasma (DPP) light source using plasma generated by electrical discharge, and a synchrotron radiation (SR) light source using orbital radiant light. Among these light sources, the LPP light source has such advantages that luminance can be made extremely high as close to the black-body radiation because plasma density can be made higher compared with the DPP light source and the SR light source. Moreover, the LPP light source also has an advantage that strong luminescence with a desired wavelength band is possible by selecting a target material. Furthermore, the LPP light source has such advantages that there is no construction such as electrode around a light source because the light source is a point light source with nearly isotropic angular distributions, and therefore extremely wide collecting solid angle can be acquired, and so on. Accordingly, the LPP light source having such advantages is expected as a light source for EUV lithography which requires more than several dozen to several hundred watt power.
In the EUV light source apparatus with the LPP system, firstly, a target material supplied inside a vacuum chamber is excited by irradiation with a laser light and thus be turned into plasma. Then, a light with various wavelength components including an EUV light is emitted from the generated plasma. Then, the EUV light source apparatus focuses the EUV light on a predetermined point by reflecting the EUV light using an EUV collector mirror which selectively reflects an EUV light with a desired wavelength, e.g. a 13.5 nm wavelength component. The reflected EUV light is inputted to an exposure apparatus. On a reflective surface of the EUV collector mirror, a multilayer coating (Mo/Si multilayer coating) with a structure in that thin coating of molybdenum (Mo) and thin coating of silicon (Si) are alternately stacked, for instance, is formed. The multilayer coating exhibits a high reflectance ratio (of about 60% to 70%) with respect to the EUV light with a 13.5 nm wavelength.
The irradiation of the target with a laser light generates plasma, as described above. At the time of plasma generation, particles (debris) such as gaseous ion particles, neutral particles, and fine particles (such as metal cluster) which have failed to become plasma spring out from a plasma luminescence site to the surroundings. The debris are diffused and fly onto the surfaces of various optical elements such as an EUV collector mirror arranged in the vacuum chamber, focusing mirrors for focusing a laser light on a target, and other optical system for measuring an EUV light intensity, and so forth. When hitting the surfaces, fast ion debris with comparatively high energy erode the surface of optical elements and damage the reflective coating of the surfaces. As a result, the surfaces of the optical elements become a metal component, which is a target material. On the other hand, slow ion debris with comparatively low energy and neutral particle debris are deposited on the surfaces of optical elements. As a result, a compound layer made from the metallic target material and the material of the surface of the optical element is formed on the surface of the optical element. Damages to the reflective coating or formation of a compound layer on the surface of the optical element caused by such bombardment of debris decreases the reflectance ratio of the optical element and makes it unusable.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-197456 discloses a technique for controlling ion debris flying from plasma using a magnetic field generated by a magnetic-field generator such as a superconductive magnetic body. According to the disclosed technique, a luminescence site of an EUV light is arranged within the magnetic field. Positively-charged ion debris flying from the plasma generated at the luminescence site are drifted and converge in the direction of magnetic field as if to wind around the magnetic line by Lorentz force of the magnetic field. This behavior prevents the deposition of debris on the surrounding optical elements, and thereby, the damages to the optical elements can be prevented. Additionally, the ion debris drifts while converging in the direction of the magnetic field. Therefore, it is possible to collect the ion debris efficiently by arranging an ion collection apparatus which collects ion debris in a direction parallel to the direction of magnetic field.

Extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus


Developer material, in a machine that has been idle in a cold, high relative humidity environment, is moved into an acceptable operating temperature/RH realm by warming the developer as it comes into contact with heated mixing augers. The augers are heated internally with a plurality of resistors.

This invention relates generally to electrophotographic printing, and more particularly, it is directed to a developer auger which is used in a development system of an electrophotographic printing machine.
The features of the present invention may be used in the printing arts and, more particularly, in electrophotographic imaging machines. In the process of electrophotographic image formation, a photoconductive surface is charged to a substantially uniform potential. The photoconductive surface is selectively exposed to record an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the informational areas of an original document being reproduced. Thereafter, a developer is transported into contact with the electrostatic latent image. Generally, the developer consists of toner particles adhering triboelectrically to carrier granules. The toner particles are attracted from the carrier granules of the developer onto the latent image. The resultant toner particle image is then transferred from the photoconductive surface to a final substrate such as plain paper and permanently affixed thereto.
Vagaries induced into the xerographic process by excursions in temperature and relative humidity (RH) create well known problems. While most high speed xerographic electronic printers operate in relatively well controlled environments, many printers and copier /duplicators do not. Even printers designed for a relatively benign computer room environment (4850.TM. for example) are required (specified) to work reliably over an environmental range between 80.degree. F./80% RH and 60.degree. F./10%.
A change in temperature can alter the sensitivity of a photoreceptor's Photoinduced Discharge Curve (PIDC). More exposure energy is required to discharge a cold photoreceptor compared to the same photoreceptor at a higher temperature. Consequently, less exposure is needed if a cold photoreceptor is warmed to a higher temperature by an electrical blanket heater (U.S. Pat. No. 3,887,367).
Temperature also plays a role in establishing the relative humidity within the developer sump. Relative humidity in turn influences the developer's triboelectric charging properties. For example, when the relative humidity is high, toner charge to mass ratio (tribo) tends to be low, and conversely, high when the RH is low. Because the triboelectric charge on a toner particle tends become smaller as the toner concentration increases, toner concentration (TC) can be adjusted to compensate for humidity changes that might otherwise de-stabilize development Unfortunately, there are situations where this approach does not work.
Consider for example, a printer that has been operating in a warm, low RH environment (high TC) which is then is shut down and allowed to equilibrate in a cool, high RH, ambient environment. Because the TC is high, and the prevailing RH at start up is high, the resulting developer tribo charge will be low and tend to produce prints with over developed solid areas and high spurious background.
Normally, as the machine continues to run the problem will correct itself because the xerographic cavity warms up causing the relative humidity to fall, and/or the control system permits the toner concentration to run down to an appropriate tribo level. But, until the new tribo equilibrium is attained, print quality is likely to be unacceptable. Therefore, relying on normal toner consumption to lower the TC as a means to adjust tribo may not always be an appropriate strategy for machines which have been idle for an extended period of time.
One countermeasure that has been proposed in the past to stabilize the xerographic process against operating extremes in temperature and humidity is to employ an external, electrically heated, developer housing blanket to warm the developer housing above ambient room temperature. The heating blanket elements can be activated or de-activated in response to a control circuit that monitors the development housing's temperature and/or humidity. This can be done whether the machine is running, or in standby (if the control circuits are powered). The external heating blanket can be deactivated when the heat generated during normal operation of the development housing warms the developer to, or above, some predetermined temperature.
A disadvantage of the external heating shroud is that because it heats from the outside inward, developer in the vicinity of the outer walls will be at a higher temperature than developer on the interior of the housing. Moreover, because the heating shroud is the warmest part of the housing, unless it is thermally insulated on the outside, a large portion of the heat it generates will be lost to the outside environment. A typical high speed printer or duplicator developer housing converts 50 to 90 watts of mechanical power into heat during normal operation. Without forced air cooling, the temperature inside the housing can easily rise to as much as 25.degree. C. above ambient. In this case, insulation on the outside of the heating shroud acts as a thermal barrier and will impede the rate at which the housing can rid itself of excess heat.

Developer housing heater using a centrally heated mixing auger


A portable marine lift capable of multi-directional off-loading of yachts, ships, and other marine vessels at ground level to dry-dock them. It is compact and barge-like, and can be shared by independent shipyards, or used to expand the work area within a single port facility or shipyard. It is also self-contained when fitted with generators and/or propulsion means via add-on pods, and comprises independent platform sections joined together to meet any hull design, length and water depth. Platform sections have the ability to submerge, and may also be employed to capture and temporarily contain environmentally hazardous materials commonly produced by shipyards. In addition, the platform sections are preferably open-framed for weight savings. Computerized lifting, via multiple lift modules secured to platform sections, assures lifting of vessels in substantially level orientation. Optionally, platform sections can be configured for shallow water operation, with locking devices, and/or guides usable for off-loading railway alignment.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the marine industry and the ability to dry-dock large vessels in various ports, harbors, shipyards, and other marine facilities, specifically to a compact, self-leveling, and barge-like marine lift of efficient and expandable design that is capable of multi-directional off-loading of yachts, ships, and other marine vessels at ground level to dry-dock them. The present invention dry-docking lift apparatus can be portable and is designed to be taken to remote areas where haul-out facilities do not exist, and to also be used in any shore facility where space is limited. Further, the present invention has the advantage of self-containment for both local and remote use when it is fitted with a generator and/or means of propulsion (preferably in the form of add-on pods). In addition, since the costs of its manufacture and operation are lower than for many other structures and equipment used for marine vessel lifting purposes, and it does not require dedicated space, sharing the present invention between two or more shipyards is viable option for smaller facilities. The present invention design and construction allows for use of prime dockage at seawalls and piers, which is in contrast to other currently known units, such as the Synchrolift® elevator system, conventional railway systems, and mobile travel-lift units, which all have limited mobility at best and/or require a significant amount of dedicated space. The present invention also can be configured for multi-directional off-loading of a marine vessel at ground level via one or more of the following, a rail and cradle system, wheeled trailer-cradles, and an air-bearing or air-caster system, although not limited thereto. Since the present invention marine lift comprises independent platform sections joined together to meet any hull design, hull length, or water depth relating to large and small marine vessels, expansion or reduction of the present invention for differing uses is simple to accomplish and most qualified shipyards that would use the present invention will have the capability of adapting the platform sections and lift modules (also referred to herein as lift pods or lifting pods) for specific needs in a timely manner. Once the proper size of the present invention is formed, typically using two or more platform sections welded to one another but not limited thereto, and further when a sufficient number of lifting modules (or pods) are associated with the platform sections to successfully accomplish the raising and lowering of maximum anticipated loads during its use, the present invention can then be submerged simply by allowing the platform sections to fill with water. When the platform sections reach a depth sufficient to clear the bottom of a marine vessel hull that needs to be lifted to dock/seawall level, the marine vessel is moved into position over them, as well as shipyard-supplied cradle apparatus units positioned on the platform sections that will be used to maintain the marine vessel in a substantially upright orientation during the time it is out of the water. When the marine vessel in proper position, various conventional means of evacuating water from the platform sections can be used to raise them until the supported cradle apparatus comes into contact with the hull bottom. Then, once there is certainty that the marine vessel is adequately supported on the shipyard's cradle assembly, computerized lifting of the cradle assembly, the supported vessel, and the platform sections to dock/seawall level can begin via conventional jacking units located in the present invention's lifting pods. Marine vessels usable with the present invention dry-docking lift system are typically large and require an operating depth greater than the minimum depth needed for present invention use, therefore water depth issues are usually not a concern in present invention applications. However, as needed or desired, shallow water operations of the present invention can sometimes be facilitated by the optional presence of a recessed center section, which can be permanently formed (integrated) in the top surfaces of platform sections during their manufacture, or created as a result of removal of one or more reversibly detachable structural members. In addition, one or more platform sections of the present invention can be optionally configured for temporary containment of hazardous materials, such as harmful paint chippings, sand blasting debris, and other materials that result from work performed on marine vessels during their yearly dry-docking periods. Periodically, according to need or convenience, the hazardous materials would be withdrawn from their temporary storage location in the present invention and transported to facilities where they can be treated and recycled, or otherwise safely disposed of, thus allowing the shipyards in which it is used to become more environmentally safe. Further, unlike all other dry-docking units in current use, the ability of the present invention to be lowered to a harbor or shipyard seabed in the event of a severe storm, hurricane, or tidal surge provides the additional benefit of substantially reducing the possibility of damage or destruction to it and any marine vessel secured to it while it is submerged.
2. Description of the Related Art
Lifting a marine vessel out of the water for dry-dock maintenance and repairs has typically been expensive and required permanently-installed elevator systems, dedicated space, or both. Other disadvantages in using prior art dry-docking systems for marine vessel maintenance and repair operations include the inability to contain and/or safely dispose of environmentally hazardous materials that are generated, and difficulties involved in bringing a marine vessel to ground level, when needed. The graving dock is typically a narrow basin having a cradle that will ultimately support the marine vessel, which is floated into it through one end. Once the marine vessel is in proper position, a gate is closed and the water is pumped out, leaving the vessel supported on the cradle. Since the graving dock is substantially a hole in the ground, its disadvantages include the need for significant dedicated space and no mobility. Also, hazardous materials generated during maintenance and repair operations in a graving dock can easily find their way back into the environment when the gate is again opened to release the vessel. Another dry-dock configuration is the floating U-shaped dry dock. It has floodable buoyancy chambers that sink when valves are opened. After reaching an appropriate depth, a marine vessel can then be moved into it. Thereafter, when water is pumped out of the buoyancy chambers, the U-shaped dry dock floats and allows work to be conducted on the vessel's outer hull. The floating dry dock has a mobility advantage and can be used for ship maintenance or repair in remote locations. However, several significant disadvantages include instability and the difficulty in transferring a marine vessel to ground level, when needed. A sinker-lift platform is a third dry dock option. After its installation, it becomes part of a permanent structure extending out into the water and includes a vertically movable flat platform that can be lowered to allow positioning of a marine vessel upon a cradle, and then subsequently raised to ground level where the vessel and the cradle supporting it in concert can be off-loaded via a rail system. Multiple hydraulic motors located on both sides of the movable platform (at ground level) provide for its up and down vertical deployment, with the hydraulic motors being secured to immobile structure adjacent to the movable platform that guides it during its vessel raising and lowering operations. Disadvantages of sinker-lift platforms include a high installation cost, high maintenance costs, a large amount of dedicated space, non-portability, and potential interference with movement of other marine vessels in a shipyard or adjacent shipping lanes. A slipway can also be used to remove marine vessels from the water to a dry dock, which typically occurs most easily at high tide. Slipways comprise an inclined plane (ramp) that extends into the water. At high tide a marine vessel can be floated onto a cradle supported by the slipway, after which electric or electric-hydraulic winches haul the marine vessel out of the water. Although it is less expensive than other options, it has the disadvantages of requiring a significant amount of dedicated space, immobility, and possible infringement on water rights in narrow channels. In contrast, the present invention lift apparatus overcomes all of the disadvantages mentioned above for prior art marine lift systems. It can be portable, as well as adapted for self-contained transport and use with the addition of one or more generators and/or means of propulsion (preferably via the addition of add-on pods). It is designed to be taken to remote areas where haul-out facilities do not exist, and where space is limited in shore facilities. Add-on power supplies can provide power in remote locations where it would otherwise be unavailable for needed maintenance or repair work. The ability to share the present invention between shipyards is also a benefit for smaller facilities. In addition, the present invention has the ability to be configured for multi-directional off-loading by means of, but not limited to, a rail and cradle system, wheeled trailer-cradles, and an air-bearing or air-caster system. Further, independent platform sections allow the present invention to be configured according to need to meet any hull design, length and water depth. Once the proper size of the present invention is formed from assembled platform sections, and an appropriate number of lifting pods are associated with the platform sections, the present invention is simply submerged by allowing the platform sections to fill with water. Various conventional means of water evacuation can then be used to raise the platform sections until the shipyard-supplied cradle units supported upon them come into contact with the vessel's hull. Once the vessel is securely positioned on the cradle, the lift pods associated with the platform sections work in concert to raise them, the vessel, and the cradle units to ground level, while assuring substantially level orientation of the marine vessel. Another advantage of the present invention over all of the prior art is its ability to be lowered to a harbor or shipyard seabed in the event of a severe storm, hurricane, or tidal surge, whereby damage and destruction are at least significantly reduced, or eliminated. In addition, one or more of the present invention platform sections can optionally be configured for temporary containment of harmful paint chippings, sand blasting debris, and other materials that are removed from marine vessels during yearly dry-docking periods. No dry-docking lift apparatus is known that has the same structure or all of the advantages of the present invention.

Semi-submersible dry-docking lift apparatus