A jitter measurement circuit and method having an input for receiving a reference signal whose jitter is to be measured, an input for receiving a clock signal having a series of cycles, and a measurement circuit for measuring the delay between the reference signal and the clock signal on a cycle by cycle bases, giving a cycle to cycle jitter measurement. The measurement circuit includes a plurality of n stages, each stage having a delay element including an input. The second and later delay elements have their inputs connected to the output of the previous stage and the first delay element has an input for receiving the reference signal. One of n latches is connected to the input of a corresponding one of the delay elements. Each latch has a clock input for receiving the clock signal, and an output for latching the value on the latches input when the clock input is clocked by an edge of the clock signal. An analysis logic circuit is provided having a plurality of n inputs connected to the outputs of the latches. The analysis logic circuit analyzes the values on the latches to give a measure of jitter.

As computer cycle times have decreased, Phase Lock Loop (PLL) jitter has become a more important part of the entire timing budget. Traditionally, PLL jitter has been measured in a lab environment using high speed oscilloscopes and related equipment. This means that it is difficult to measure the PLL jitter in an assembled machine and nearly impossible to measure it in a customer's environment. This invention adds jitter measurement capability directly to the PLL circuit, so jitter can be measured during normal operation.

International Business Machines Corporation


A laminated film has a multilayer structure with outermost layers 1 and 2 composed mainly of a resin, wherein the multilayer structure has first and second layers alternately laminated in the thickness direction so that the total number of the first and second layers is 30 or more, the first layer is a birefringent layer composed mainly of a resin and is 10-1,000 nm thick, the second layer is an isotropic layer composed mainly of a resin and is 10-1,000 nm thick, the thicknesses of the first and second layers increase along the thickness direction from the outermost layer 2 side to the outermost layer 1 side, the total thickness of the outermost layers is 10% or more of the total thickness of the multilayer structure, and the thickness of the outermost layer 1 is larger than the thickness of the outermost layer 2.

A multilayer laminated film formed by alternately laminating a layer having a low refractive index and a layer having a high refractive index with a large number of layers can be used as an optical interference film which selectively reflects or transmits a light having a specific wavelength due to interference of light caused by the structure between the layers. In such a multilayer laminated film, by gradually changing the thickness of each layer along the thickness direction of the film, or putting on the multilayer laminated film a film having a reflection peak different from that of the laminated film, the resultant film can reflect or transmit a light in a wide wavelength range, and can achieve a high reflectance equivalent to that obtained by a film using a metal, and thus can be used as a metalescent film or a reflective mirror. Further, it has been known that, by unidirectionally stretching the multilayer laminated film, the resultant film can be used as a reflective polarizing film which reflects only a specific polarized light component, and can be used in a luminance improving member for liquid crystal display and the like (PTLs 1 to 4 and the like).
PTL 1: JP-A-4-268505
PTL 2: JP-T-9-506837 (the term "JP-T" as used herein means a published Japanese translation of a PCT patent application)
PTL 3: JP-T-9-506984
PTL 4: International Patent Application Publication No. 01/47711 pamphlet

Multilayer laminated film and processed article using same


Novel processes for incorporating anti-scalant agents having acidic functionalities in zero-P or low phosphate built powder detergents to provide an automatic dishwashing detergent of improved solubility.

Efforts have been made since the late 1960s to replace the high levels of phosphate builders in household detergent products with non-phosphate ingredients which fulfill builder functions without causing environmental damage.
Builders in automatic dishwashing products function to (1) provide alkalinity, (2) sequester hardness ions and (3) disperse soils so as to prevent redeposition on clean ware surfaces. Sodium carbonate has been used as a phosphate builder alternative affording a cost effective source of alkalinity and functioning to lower the free calcium ion concentration in the wash solution. However, sodium carbonate has the tendency to deposit calcite crystals or other forms of calcium carbonate in hard water and thus to cover both tableware and dishwasher interiors with a white crust. This problem persists even when sodium carbonate is used in combination with sodium citrate.
When carbonate products are used in hard water, encrustation is believed to result via the formation of invisible minute calcite crystal nuclei which then grow to visible size. In a super-saturated solution of calcium carbonate, nucleation occurs during all washes but after a few washes all surfaces in the dishwasher are covered with growing crystals and additional calcium carbonate crystallizes on those crystals already present. It is believed that sequesterants such as sodium citrate prevent the formation of amorphous calcium carbonate.
As early as 1936, U.S. Pat. No. 2,264,103 was issued for a process of softening hard water using certain organic acid salts including citric acid U.S. Pat. No. 4,102,799 disclosed a dishwasher detergent composition consisting essentially of a citrate builder salt in combination with at least one additional builder salt such as silicate, carbonate, etc. GB 1,325,645 also disclosed a dishwasher composition comprising an alkali metal salt of citric acid, alkali metal carbonate and other components.
As noted above although sodium citrate prevents the formation of amorphous calcium carbonate, once calcite crystals are present, the citrate rapidly loses most of its calcium ions to the calcite.
Therefore, anti-nucleation agents also termed anti-scalants, or scale inhibitors have been used to inhibit the development of microscopic nuclei which grow to visible size and then the anti-nucleation agents redisperse to act on other nuclei. The inhibition of calcite crystal growth can prevent encrustation. Polyphosphates, phosphonates, polysulfonates and polycarboxylate polymers are also known in the art to reduce calcium carbonate deposition from detergent products which are built with sodium carbonate.
Ideally, therefore, a zero-P or low phosphorus powder detergent contains a sequestrant, such as citrate; an inexpensive source of alkalinity such as sodium carbonate and an anti-scalant or scale inhibitor such as polycarboxylate, phosphonate or polysulfonate.
Anti-scalants which are presently available are in aqueous form or powdered forms having a particle size which passes through a 50 mesh U.S. Screen. Particle sizes which pass through a 14 mesh U.S. Screen and are no larger than .alpha. 50 mesh U.S. Screen are however desirable for the invention. Since commercially available anti-scalants do not fit these criteria novel processing methods were required to overcome these problems.
Unfortunately, it has been found that many suitable anti-scalants which are available are provided in their acid forms, as partially neutralized acids, or otherwise contain a free acid. The presence of acidic species in anti-scalants poses a problem in the manufacture of dishwasher detergents. Specifically, if such acidic species are not neutralized, but sprayed directly on the detergent ingredients which include silicate, it is known that the acidic constituent has a destabilizing effect on the silicate component to liberate insoluble silica. This effect was believed to be specific for solid silicates as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,379,069 (Rapisarda et al.).
It has now been found a similar effect can occur with aqueous silicates. An additional problem associated with aqueous anti-scalants, whether acidic or neutralized, is the high level of water (about 40 to 60%) these anti-scalants contain. In detergent manufacturing, non-phosphate builders generally do not have the absorptive capacity of the phosphate builder nor do they generally form stable hydrates in manufacture. For example, sodium citrate is generally used in either its dehydrate form or anhydrous form. When relatively high levels of anti-scalant are required for a product, and the anti-scalants are in aqueous form, prolonged drying times are required to remove excess water resulting in high cost for energy and the reducing in manufacturing efficiency.

Processes for incorporating anti-scalants in powdered detergent compositions

Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.


A gas cushion system such as an airbag system has an essentially vat-shaped, elongated housing with an open longitudinal side, and a tubular housing disposed within the housing in a longitudinal direction thereof between its end faces, for a cartridge-shaped gas generator. The generator functions to inflate a gasbag disposed on the open longitudinal side of the vat-shaped housing. The vat-shaped and tubular housings form a prefabricatable unit, into which the gas generator can be directly inserted without any separate housing.

The present invention relates to a gas cushion system (e.g., an airbag system) for arrangement as collision-protection for passengers in motor vehicles, and, more particularly, to a system having an essentially vat-shaped, elongated housing installable in the vehicle and with an open longitudinal side which, in the installed position, faces the passenger, a tubular housing disposed within and between end faces of the elongated housing in the longitudinal direction for a cartridge-shaped gas generator, by way of which a gasbag disposed on the open longitudinal side of the vat-shaped housing can be automatically inflated in the event of an accident.
Gas cushion systems are shown in EP-A 04 47 030 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,941. The gas generator in these documents has a beaker-like housing with extrusion molded axial flanges formed on in one piece. The flanges allow the housing to be applied, on one hand, to parts of the motor vehicle which are capable of bearing loads and, on the other hand, to wall parts of the vat-shaped housing. The beaker-like housing forms a part of the outer wall of the vat-shaped housing.
In order to eliminate incorrect fittings, special precautions have to be taken, as specified, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,941 (col. 9, 1. 58 to col. 10, 1. 5). In addition, further publications such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,778,085, U.S. Pat. No. 3,880,447, U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,392, DE-C 31 47 780, DE-A 39 10 337, DE-A 41 41 617 and JP-A 56-20 88 84, show gas cushion systems in which the vat-shaped and tubular housings are respectively configured as sheet-metal parts which overall necessitate a relatively complex fitting because fitting errors cannot be precluded without increased complexity.
DE-C 21 09 463 shows a steering wheel having a gas cushion system in which the hub region of the steering wheel is configured as a funnel-shaped synthetic housing which is open in the direction of the driver. The folded-up gas cushion is, in the non-used position, disposed on the open side. Within an essentially beaker-shaped region in the center of the funnel-shaped housing, the associated gas generator is disposed within a sheet-metal housing.
DE-U 86 19 670 shows a further gas cushion system in which an essentially vat-shaped sheet-metal housing has an open longitudinal side on which the gas cushion is disposed. In that side of the housing lying opposite the open longitudinal side, a trough-like recess is configured for receiving a propellant charge which serves as a gas generator and is held within the trough by a synthetic capsule.
An object of the present invention is to make possible, in a gas cushion system, a particularly economical production and to prevent virtually any wrong fitting or installation.
The foregoing object has been achieved according to the present invention by the configuring of the tubular housing and lateral or longitudinal vat-shaped housing walls running parallel to the tube axis to form parts of a one-piece extrusion profile, or the tubular and vat-shaped housings form a one-piece casting, in particular a die-casting, and by inserting the cartridge-shaped gas generator directly (without any separate, additional housing) into the tubular housing.
The present invention is based upon the discovery that an error-free fitting of the gas cushion system is made significantly easier if the vat-shaped and tubular housings form a one-piece unit, into which the cartridge-shaped gas generator can then be readily inserted. At the same time, the total manufacture of the gas cushion system is sub-divided into easily surveyable production sections, namely housing manufacture, insertion of the gas cartridge and arrangement of the gasbag. This facilitates any modifications which are made for adaptation to different vehicles. In addition, the exchange of system elements is made easier.


A visor molded with an integral vanity frame. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the visor body is formed with a Class A grained surface and requires no additional finishing such as upholstery.

The present invention relates to visors and particularly to a molded visor with an integral vanity mirror frame.
Visors are a necessity in automobiles, but over the years automobile visors have provided a convenient location for a number of vehicle accessories, notably vanity mirrors which may be illuminated for use under low ambient light conditions. There have been a multitude of visor designs balancing several major design concerns, function (to block sunlight or glare), cost (materials and manufacture), appearance, and features (additional functionality). As the manufacture of visors has matured, so have the expectations of the consumer. Vanity mirrors in visors and high class appearance have become expected in visors even in lower priced automobiles. To date, visors have been molded in various ways, such as molded in one-piece from a rigid plastic foam and covered as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,792 or by utilizing a clam-shell core construction which is covered by a fabric material as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,033,005 and 5,984,398, or integrally molded with an outer covering as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,295,725 and 5,720,509. Typically, the upholstery is selected to match other upholstered portions of the trim package for the automobile, adding material cost and manufacturing and assembly cost. Accessories which are attached to visors typically are mounted within a recess formed in the visor core as, for example, disclosed in the above '725 patent utilizing snap-in fasteners, adhesives or conventional fastening screws. Such mounting methods require additional fasteners and manufacturing steps to accomplish. The '797 and '509 patents disclose visors molded around an accessory (such as a vanity or a garage door opener) which are placed in the mold before plastic injection.


A new and distinct Solidago plant named ‘Dansolwind’ particularly characterized by having a plant height of 70-75 cm., small yellow inflorescences, green leaves, a rapid growth cycle and an even growth rate.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of the goldenrod plant, botanically known as Solidago sp., and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'Dansolwind'.
Solidago, of the sunflower family, Asteraceae, consists of approximately 100 species of goldenrod plants found in North America, most of which are geographically located in the East. Goldenrods are perennial plants that commonly grow along stream banks, ditches, roadsides and other areas where the soil is moist and rich.
The new Solidago cultivar is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventor, Gabriel Danziger, in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel. The objective of the breeding program was to develop a new Solidago variety with a small yellow inflorescence, green leaves, a rapid growth cycle, and an even growth rate.
The new Solidago cultivar originated from a cross made by a planned breeding program discovered by the inventor in 2000 in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel. The female parent is designated as '1-Y-1' (unpatented). The male parent is unknown. The new Solidago cultivar 'Dansolwind' was selected by the inventor as a flowering plant within the progeny of the stated cross in a controlled environment in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel.
Asexual reproduction of the new Solidago cultivar by leaf cuttings was first performed in October, 2001, in Moshav Mishmar Hashiva, Israel, and has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new Solidago cultivar are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction. The new cultivar reproduces true to type.


A pet chew comprised of an inner bone or bone-like core, and at least one outer edible tubular wrapper layer composed of dried animal viscera or other tubular food product compositions.

It is well known that carnivorous animals such as dogs benefit greatly from chewing or masticating bones. Chewing on bones provides needed jaw exercise for domesticated dogs who are fed soft or wet food products for which little chewing action is required. Furthermore, bone chewing is believed to provide a cleaning effect to the teeth. Specifically, as a dog chews on a bone, the abrasion of the teeth against bone fragments on the outer surface of the bone performs this cleaning function.
There are many pet chews known in the art, including natural and synthetic animal bones, animal hooves, rawhide and the like. While these pet chews provide a dog with ample opportunity to exercise the jaw muscles and to clean portions of the teeth, there is a need for a type of pet chew that provides a dog with greater motivation to scrape its teeth, especially the lateral regions thereof, along the surface of a bone or bone-like material, thereby achieving an enhanced teeth cleaning effect. While the pet chews of the prior art fulfill their respective functions and objectives, they do not describe or suggest a pet chew having an inner bone or bone-like core and a tubular edible wrapper layer composed of viscera or other suitable food product, that motivates a dog to chew on the pet chew, thereby scraping its teeth along the surface of the bone-like core. To this end, the pet chew of the present invention provides a canine with greater motivation to scrape its teeth against the outer surface of the core. This motivation is accomplished by surrounding, in whole or in-part, the bone or bone-like core with a tubular edible wrapper layer composed of a tubular animal organ or other suitable food product, such as jerky extruded in tube-form. This outer edible wrapper layer has a highly desirable taste, which motivates the canine to remove this layer thereby scraping its teeth against the outer surface of the bone or bone-like core material.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that a need exists for a new, inexpensive, and easy-to-manufacture pet chew and method of making the same that provides enhanced teeth cleaning action for pets. The device and method of the present invention substantially fulfill this need.

Pet chew with edible tubular wrapper and method of making same


A method for the analysis and isolation of genes which express membrane receptors was developed. Cells of E. coli transformed with proper vectors, from phage, as well as from plasmids, containing the cDNA coding for human .beta.-adrenergic receptors, are grown on slabs of LB/agar; the bacterial colonies, once transferred onto nitrocellulose filters, show specific activity for (.sup.125 I)-iodocyanopindolol (ICYP). The .beta.-adrenergic receptors expressed in bacteria retain their pharmacologic characteristics after being transferred on filters.

Several techniques are known for cloning genes. In the mean time, the difficulties met in the attempts to assign a specific function to the cloned genes, are known as well. On the other hand, knowing the genes which compose human DNA is the basic step which has to be coped with, if one just wishes to hope to be able to diagnose at the right time and hence properly treat a very large number of diseases, which, still to date, are regarded as hopeless.
Human genes are very numerous (they are thought to be in a number of the order of 100,000) and each of them performs a particular task: from one gene the colour of the eyes, and from another gene the blood group depend; from the genes also the hereditary diseases depend, as well as the arising and transmission of certain tumoral forms.
Identifying the individual genes is therefore of interest for the biologist, the physician, and all those who from such a knowledge should draw, as said, suggestions for diagnoses and treatment therapies with the preparation of the relevant kits and medicines.
It is well-known that the nucleotidic sequence can be used to predict which protein a cloned gene will encode, and can suggest the class to which the protein could belong, but, in general, the problem of the identification of the function of a cloned gene is still unsolved and to date, in spite of studies carried out in depth worldwide, only a few tens of human genes were identified and isolated.
The present Applicant has found now a method for identifying and/or isolating genes which code for membrane receptors of whatever biological origin, which is much simpler and faster than the analogous methods based on the expression of receptors in eucaryotic cells, and which is extremely useful when addressed to the cloning of the membrane receptors.
The conventional methods for cloning receptors for neurotransmitters require the purification of the receptor, the generation of partial sequences of aminoacids and the use of synthetic oligonucleotides to be used as probes to obtain cDNA or genomic clones: however, in the case of most neurotransmitter receptors, their rarity renders them extremely difficult to purify, and only very seldom has the cloning of receptors by expression been carried out successfully [Masu Y., Nakayama K., Tamaki H., Harada Y., Kuno M., Nakahishi S. (1987) Nature 329 836-838; Julius D., MacDermott A. B., Axel R., Jessel T. M. (1988) Science 241 558-564; Yokota Y., Sasai Y, Tonaka K., Fujiwara T., Tsuchida K., Shigemoto R., Kakizuka A., Okhubo H., Nakanishi S. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264 17649-17652; Shigemoto R., Yokota Y., Tsuchida K., Nakanishi S. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265 623-628; Tanaka K., Masu M., Nakanishi S. (1990) Neuron 4 843-854].
Functional receptor molecules are obtained as well by microinjecting in vitro synthetized mRNA into oocites of Xenopus, and also some marginal indications exist on the functional expression in E. coli of some genes for human receptors [Marullo S., Delavier-Klutchko C., Eshdat Y., Strosberg A. D., Emorine L. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. U.S.A. 85 7751-7555]. Unfortunately, none of these reports makes possible a practical technique for identifying and isolating genes endowed with a specific receptor activity to be developed.
The method according to the present invention makes it possible to overcome these limitations, which, to date, have to be ascribed to the technologies known from the prior art and, exploiting the above cited possibility of functional expression of the receptors in E. coli and their interaction with specific ligands, makes it possible to identify recombinant clones coding for the genes of said receptors. The present method essentially consists in the replication on filters of the bacterial colonies expressing membrane receptors and their labeling with radioactive ligands.

Method for identifying and/or isolating genes which code for membrane receptors


The present invention provides a method for obtaining an immunogenic, non-haemolytic strain of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae which is modified, at least in a segment of the apxIA gene and optionally in a segment of the apxIIA gene that encodes a transmembrane domain of the Apx haemolytic and cytolytic exotoxins. It comprises also the strains, and the attenuated live vaccine porcine pleuorpneumonia obtained therewith.

Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia (thereafter "App") is a Gram-negative bacteria which causes porcine pleuropneumonia, a worldwide distributed infectious disease responsible of important Economic losses in the swine industry.
The App most important virulence factors are extracellular proteins namely: Apx exotoxins. These exotoxins belong to the pore-forming RTX toxins family, widely spread among pathogenic gram-negative bacteria The main exotoxins in App are: ApxI, ApxII, ApxIII and ApxIV.
Exotoxins ApxI and ApxII are haemolytic and cytolytic. ApxI shows a strong haemolytic and cytolytic activity and ApxII shows a weak haemolytic and a moderate cytolytic activity.
Although all, so far screened, serotypes are able to produce ApxIV, there is a characteristic serotype distribution for the expression of the rest of the Apx exotoxins. Serotypes 1, 5, 9 and 11 produce exotoxins ApxI and ApxII; Serotype 10 only produces ApxI; Serotypes 7 and 12 produce only ApxII and serotypes 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 produce ApxII and ApxIII.
The genes corresponding to exotoxins ApxI and ApxII are organized as operons. The operon of of the ApxI exotoxin contains 4 genes: apxIC, apxIA, apxIB and apxID. The gene of apxIA codes for the ApxI exotoxin itself The gene apxIC codes for an activator protein (acylase) which introduces a post-translational modification (acylation) in the Apx, which allows the ApxI to acquire an active conformation, making it able for the interaction with the host specific cell receptors. The apxIB and apxID genes code two membrane proteins which secrete the mature ApxI exotoxin to the external medium.
The ApxII operon contains only the gene A (apxIIA) and gene C (apxIIC) which code, respectively, for ApxII and for the acylase responsible for the ApxII to acquire an active conformation. There exists also a small fragment which shows a certain similarity with the apxIB gene but it does not originate a functional protein. The export of the mature ApxII to the external medium is due to the action of the proteins encoded by the apxIB and apxID genes.
The present vaccination methods do not provide a complete protection against all App serotypes.
Patent WO97/16532A1 describes the construction of a vaccine strain able to induce an immunological response in an animal. This comprises a modified microorganism which produces a partially or totally inactivated Apx toxin, due to a partial deletion. This deletion, done by induced mutagenesis of the structural gene apxIA and/or to the partial deletion of an apxIIC activator gene. It does not modify the transmembrane zone.
Patent EP810283A2 describes the construction of an App vaccine strain by modifying the ApxIC gene in such a way that this does not produce the activator protein in a functional form and this can not activate the toxin by acylation. It neither modifies the transmembrane zone.
Jansen et al. (Infection and Immunity 63: 7-37 (1995)) described the production of App homologous recombinants by site directed mutagenesis.
These mutants present the apxIA gene which is inactivated by insertion of the CMr gene and/or the apxIIA gene inactivated by insertion of the TETr gene.
Tascón et al. (Molecular Microbiology 14: 207-216 (1994)) describes two App mutants. One of them has a disruption in the gene apxIBD and the other a disruption in the structural gene apxIA.
Reimer et al; (Microbial Pathogenesis 18: 197-209 (1995)) describes an App. a virulent mutant which, by chemical mutagenesis, has deletions that affect important parts of the operon apxIABCD. This mutant does not synthesize the ApxI toxin, but is able to synthesize the ApxII, although this is not secreted from the cell.
Strains that do not express ApxI and ApxII exotoxins can not be used as attenuated vaccines because they do not induce protective immune responses since the ApxI and ApxII exotoxins are one of the most important virulence determinants of App.
Prideaux (The 16th International Pig Veterinary Society Congress, Melbourne (Australia) 17-20th September 2000, pag. 439-442)) describes a vaccine prepared from a strain with an inactivated apxIIC gene that secretes and express a non-activated ApxII toxin unable therefore to attach to the target cells.
So, the live attenuated vaccines described in the previous background of the invention, based on App strains without haemolytic capability, are less immunoprotective because they have suffered modifications in their structure that do not allow them to attach to the membrane receptor of the target cells. Furthermore these can not generate antibodies against ApxI and/or ApxII toxins, since these are not secreted by the cell. Frey et al. (Gene 142: 97-102 (1994)) describe the amino-acid sequence of the ApxI exotoxine from a serotype I strain and Smiths et al.; (Infection and Immunity 59: 4497-4504 (1991)) describe the amino-acid sequence of the ApxII exotoxin of a serotype 9 strain.

Live attenuated vaccine against porcine pleuropneumonia


A cassette loading mechanism comprising a movable plate-like member which is maintained on the same plane with a stationary plate-like member and slidable relative to the stationary member. A symmetrical four bar linkage is connected between the two members. The movable member is moved, under the guidance of fixed shaped slots, with a cassette holder into which a cassette is inserted between an unloading position and a loading position by an actuation device acting at one side of the cassette holder. The four bar linkage transmits the actuation to the other side of the cassette holder in a substantially synchronous way to make both sides of the cassette holder move symmetrically and synchronously and thus reducing the risk of jamming.

Some of the currently available magnetic recording devices comprise a cassette loading mechanism which is driven only at a single side thereof due to the limitation in space arrangement, which cassette loading mechanism provides a loading kinematic action to only one side of the cassette to be loaded. This may induce an instable loading operation if the opposite side of the cassette is subjected to friction or other resistance in moving in the loading route.
To address the instability problem, another type of prior art cassette loading mechanism adopts gear trains arranged substantially symmetrical about the cassette to be loaded to provide a symmetrical loading movement at both sides of the cassette. The principal disadvantage of this type prior art arrangement is that in order to avoid interference with the operation of recording or re-playing of the apparatus, the gear trains and the related mechanism have to be disposed close to the top side or bottom side of the recording apparatus housing. This inevitably expands the size or volume of the recording apparatus, and is also in conflict with the world trend of miniaturization for home appliances.
It is therefore desirable to provide a cassette loading mechanism which is a single side driven mechanism but adopts a symmetrical linkage to act upon the opposite side simultaneously so as to overcome the problem of instability while not substantially increasing the overall size thereof.

Cassette loading apparatus with reduced space requirement for loading a magnetic recording cassette into a cassette playing or recording apparatus

Industrial Technology Research Institute


A first voltage source terminal, to which a first voltage is input, is connected to a maximum voltage terminal of serially-connected secondary batteries to be monitored. A second voltage source terminal, to which a second voltage is input, is connected to a minimum voltage terminal of the secondary batteries. A battery-voltage detecting unit outputs a detection signal based on a result of a voltage monitoring. A first reference-voltage generating unit receives the first and the second voltages as operating voltages, and generates a first reference voltage. A voltage converting unit receives the detection signal, and converts the detection signal received into either the first reference voltage or the second voltage. An output terminal outputs the detection signal converted, as an output detection signal.

1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a battery-voltage monitoring integrated-circuit and a battery-voltage monitoring system for monitoring a voltage of a secondary (rechargeable) battery, such as a lithium-ion rechargeable battery.
2) Description of the Related Art
Compared to other rechargeable batteries, a lithium-ion battery has the following advantages, namely, it produces high-energy density (high output density), gives a high battery voltage (4.2 V) per battery cell, has a high charging-discharging energy efficiency, has no memory effect, etc. Consequently, lithium-ion batteries are being widely used in compact gadgets such as, mobile phones, video cameras, notebook computers, etc.
Because of these advantages, lithium-ion batteries are expected to replace the conventionally used nickel-metal-hydride batteries employed in hybrid vehicles, motor driving devices, etc.
However, the property of high-energy density of a lithium-ion battery can make it potentially dangerous should a short-circuit occur within it due to any reason, since the energy is released all at once. Therefore, to avoid any mishap, it is usual practice to take precautionary measures such as using a heat-stable material, avoiding over-charging or over-discharging the battery, or even if the battery is over-charged or over-discharged, taking care not to allow the temperature of the battery to rise and causing it to ignite.
As a measure against over-charging or over-discharging, a method for monitoring the voltage of the lithium-ion battery is employed. In other words, the lithium-ion battery, which usually consists of a plurality of serially-connected battery cells that output the voltage required for the gadget in which the battery is used, is monitored, and when any of the battery cells is over-discharged or over-charged, an error signal is output, causing a forced stopping of charging or discharging (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-224138 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-85067).
An integrated-circuit for battery voltage monitoring may be used for monitoring the battery cells of the lithium-ion battery and outputting a detection signal when any battery cell shows signs of over-charging or over-discharging, thus providing a system for monitoring battery voltage that performs efficient voltage monitoring.
However, hybrid vehicles and motor driving device require high voltage, necessitating serially connecting an appropriate number of the lithium-ion batteries to obtain the required voltage. If a single battery-voltage monitoring integrated-circuit is to be used in such a setup, the integrated-circuit needs to be constructed from an element that can withstand high voltage, since it has to withstand the voltage from all the battery cells, and the surface area of the chip has to be considerably large, pushing up the cost.
Further, since the voltage required by different gadgets are different, the battery-voltage monitoring integrated-circuit, built for gadgets that require high voltage levels, will prove to be an overkill for the gadgets that need less voltage, again pushing up the cost.
To overcome this drawback, the battery-voltage monitoring integrated-circuit is built for handling a specific number of lithium-ion batteries. If the number of cells in the serially-connected battery cell group being monitored exceeds the range, as many battery-voltage monitoring integrated-circuits as are required may be connected serially, stacking them one on top of another. This method makes the battery-voltage monitoring integrated-circuit cost-effective.
However, even in the method using stacked battery voltage monitoring circuits, since only a single control circuit controls charging and discharging based on the detection result, how the detection result of each of the battery-voltage monitoring integrated-circuits is to be transmitted to the single control circuit poses a problem.
A method of insulating the detection result from each of the battery-voltage monitoring integrated-circuit by a photo coupler, etc. and transmitting to the control circuit by changing the voltage to the ground voltage may be adopted. However, this method will again push up the cost since a photo coupler needs to be provided for each battery-voltage monitoring integrated-circuit.
Other methods like providing a circuit that integrates the detection results from all the stacked battery-voltage monitoring integrated-circuits, or providing a control circuit having as many number of input terminals as there are battery-voltage monitoring integrated-circuits, etc. will not only make the circuitry complicated, but will also push up the cost.

Battery-voltage monitoring integrated-circuit and battery-voltage monitoring system


The embodiment provides a heat-sealing apparatus and a method of accurately controlling heat sealing temperature by measuring the temperature using a heat-sealing apparatus which heat-seals a pair of heat seal materials by nipping them between a pair of heating bodies. The method of heat-sealing includes mounting a cover material on the surface of at least one of the heating bodies to be in contact with the heat seal material, attaching a minute temperature sensor to the surface of the cover material on the side to be in contact with the heat seal material, and controlling temperature of welding face by the temperature detected by the minute temperature sensor, and an apparatus therefor.

For the bonding of plastic films and sheets in a process of bag making and sealing, heat-sealing techniques are frequently used. In the process, a heating body is pressed on the surface of a heat seal material (hereinafter, occasionally referred to as "work"), so that the contacting faces of the heat-seal material are heat-sealed by utilizing the heat conduction of the heat seal material. The heat-bonding method or heat-sealing method has been commonly used. (ASTM F88 established in 1968).
The heating methods are classified broadly into (1) a method of heating the material from both sides simultaneously by a pair of heating bodies utilizing heat conduction (i.e., heating jaw system), (2) one side heating which utilizes heat conduction from a surface of the heat seal material and is constructed by a heating body only on one side, and (3) a method of local heating near bonding faces (i.e., ultrasonic heating, magnetic induction heating, dielectric loss blowing hot air, etc.).
The heat bonding or heat-sealing method utilizes the thermoplasticity phenomenon of plastics.
Heat bonding occurs within a peelable seal zone (i.e., interfacial bonding zone) of the work, where the bonding strength increases along with the elevation of the heating temperature at the bonding faces of the work. When the heating temperature reaches at a predetermined value or more, the bonding faces become melted and become paste-like state. After the bonding faces are cooled down, both bonding faces of the work are integrated by the agglomerated bonding. FIG. 1 shows the results of the tensile test of specimens obtained from each heating temperature. As shown in FIG. 1, one can tell that the heating temperature and the heating speed are parameters of the heat seal strength (Hishinuma effect).
In general, the range of an interfacial bonding temperature zone is 3-8° C. When the heating of bonding faces is adjusted to the boundary temperature zone between the interfacial bonding temperature zone and the agglomerated bonding temperature zone (i.e., adequate temperature zone), the edge-cut can be prevented by utilizing peel energy at bonding faces, thus, properties of each material can be utilized optimally. Furthermore, insufficient heating and overheating are suppressed so that the excellent quality of the heat seal is ensured.
In order to analyze the characteristics of the conventional heating jaw system, which uses the surface temperature of the heating body as a parameter, the temperature responses of the temperature sensor (hereinafter, "temperature response(s)") were measured at the welding face (bonding face) of the work in a laboratory scale, applying the method of measuring the welding face temperature described above. The results are shown in FIG. 2.
(1) in FIG. 2 shows a temperature response in the case that the surface temperature of the heating body is set at the controlled temperature Ts. Theoretically, the arrival time at Ts is an extremely long time. This is referred to as (tc).
(2) in FIG. 2 indicates a temperature response of the welding face (bonding face) at the heating temperature of about 1.05 times Ts, where the 95% temperature response becomes Ts. The arrival time is referred to as (tb).
(3) in FIG. 2 indicates a temperature response of the welding face (bonding face) in the case that the heating temperature is raised to (Ts×1.5), in order to arrive at Ts faster than that takes for 95% temperature response. Such arrival times are referred to as (ta).
(4) and (5) in FIG. 2 show the cases where the heating temperature changed in order to arrive at Ts in further shorter period of time. The characteristics are explained in the next paragraph.
Based on the examples shown in FIG. 2, the relationship between the arrived temperature upon heating by heating bodies on both sides at the same temperature and the heating time are classified into three types of response patterns, i.e. (1) converging equilibrium temperature (Tc) heating, (2) 95% arrival point (Tb) heating, and (3) high speed temperature rising region (Ta). The characteristics of the three response pattern types are:
(1) Equilibrium temperature (Tc) heating: It utilizes a principle that the welding face temperature of the work converges equilibrium to the surface temperature of the heating body. Although a longer time than other methods is required until completing the heating process, operations with a basic temperature is possible. For the heat seal test in laboratories, this method is most likely chosen.
(2) 95% arrival point (Tb) heating: The heating time is set for a target temperature of (heating body surface temperature−environmental temperature)×95%+environmental temperature. Because the temperature difference from the equilibrium temperature and Tb is within 5° C., and the variants of the temperature are within 2° C. with respect to the variants in controlling heating time, this time-setting temperature control system (hereinafter referred to "time limit system") is highly practical.
(3) Utilization of the initial high speed temperature rising region (Ta): Because the time to reach the predetermined heating temperature is short in order to complete a single operation in a short period of time, the productivity is high. A temperature increment at the 95% temperature arrival point is ≈3° C./0.1 s, whereas that in the initial high speed temperature rising region at 0.4-0.5 s is as quick as ≈10° C./0.1 s.
Today, an appropriate technique to control the welding face (bonding face) temperature has not been fully established in heat bonding techniques, and the heating operation in the initial high speed temperature rise region is at most conducted by controlling the time based on the arrival time of a certain temperature.
However, the conventional methods described above do not satisfy the requirements of the highly accurate temperature control and the high speed press-bonding operation to form peelable sealing and the like, having a narrow temperature range to obtain the characteristics.
In the conventional technique, productivity is prioritized, and the heat is generally controlled based on the initial high speed temperature rising region (Ta) described in (3). However, highly accurate techniques to control the press-bonding time and the temperature is not established. In practice, insufficient heating is avoided by setting the heating temperature with extra heat of about 10° C. Accordingly, the bonding state tends to be an agglomerated bonding, which is bonded by the excess heat beyond the boundary temperature region shown in FIG. 1. Meanwhile, the heat process that utilizes the excess heat is difficult to adjust for a weaker interfacial bonding such as easy-peel sealing. The solution to this problem has been strongly desired worldwide.
In this regard, the prior art discloses a heat sealing method of setting the temperature of the heating body and the press-bonding time, based on the temperature obtained by mounting temperature sensors on a surface of the heating body and between welding faces of test pieces (Patent Document 1) Another prior art discloses a method of controlling heat seal temperature based on the temperature obtained by mounting surface temperature sensors in the vicinity of the heating source and a surface of the heating body (Patent Document 2).

Heat sealer provided with interfacial temperature sensor


An angular rate sensor includes: a quadratic prism-like oscillator 1a formed by laminating a substrate 2 and a piezoelectric material 3; a reference electrode 3a which is formed on one main surface 3A of two opposed surfaces of the piezoelectric material 3, the one main surface 3A being bonded to the substrate 2, and which is connected to a reference potential; at least one drive electrode 3b which is formed on the other main surface 3B of the two opposed surfaces of the piezoelectric material 3 in the longitudinal direction of the oscillator 1a, and to which a signal for oscillating the oscillator 1a is supplied; and at least a pair of detection electrodes 3c1 and 3c2 which are formed, in parallel with each other, on the other main surface 3B of the two opposed surfaces of the piezoelectric material 3 in a manner to sandwich the drive electrode 3b, and which output a signal corresponding to Coriolis force generated in the oscillator 1a.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an angular rate sensor used for detecting e.g., video camera shake, the operation of a virtual reality apparatus, the direction in a car navigation system or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
A so-called oscillation gyro type angular rate sensor has been widely available as consumer use. The oscillation gyro type angular rate sensor detects angular rate by oscillating a rod-like oscillator at a predetermined resonance frequency and detecting Coriolis force generated by influence of angular rate with a piezoelectric element or the like.
For driving an oscillator in the angular rate sensor like this, a method using a separately-excited oscillation type driving circuit and one using a self-excited oscillation type driving circuit are available. However, the method using a separately-excited oscillation type driving circuit has a problem that when a difference is made between oscillation frequency and resonance frequency of an oscillator due to influence of temperature characteristics of the oscillator or the like, sensitivity for detecting Coriolis force rapidly decreases. Therefore, the method using a separately-excited oscillation type driving circuit has not been in practical use.
Consequently, the method using a self-excited oscillation type driving circuit in which the oscillator is incorporated in a loop of a phase-shift oscillator circuit is now widely used. Since the angular rate sensor using this method self-oscillates at the resonance frequency of oscillator, sensitivity thereof hardly changes due to influence of the temperature characteristics, thereby obtaining an angular rate output having stable sensitivity in a wide temperature range (refer, for example, to Jpn. Pat. Appln. Laid-pen Publication No. 2000-131077).
A conventional angular rate sensor shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C includes a triangular prism-like oscillator 104 having a triangular prism-like constant elastic oscillator 100. The constant elastic oscillator 100 has first to third piezoelectric elements 101 to 103 attached to the side surfaces thereof, respectively. The first piezoelectric element 101 is composed of an electrode 101a and a piezoelectric material 101b. The second piezoelectric element 102 is composed of an electrode 102a and a piezoelectric material 102b. The third piezoelectric element 103 is composed of an electrode 103a and a piezoelectric material 103b. For example, the constant elastic oscillator 100 is a constant elastic metal oscillator.
The conventional angular rate sensor includes an amplifier 105 connected to the first piezoelectric element 101, a phase shifter 106 connected to the amplifier 105, a differential amplifier 107 connected to the second and third piezoelectric elements 102 and 103, a synchronous detector 108 connected to the differential amplifier 107, and a low-pass filter 109 connected to the synchronous detector 108. In the conventional angular rate sensor, the second and third piezoelectric elements 102 and 103 detect oscillation of the oscillator 104 for performing self-excited oscillation as well as Coriolis force generated in the oscillator 104.
The angular rate sensor using the triangular prism-like oscillator 104 has the highest sensitivity at the present time and therefore is currently mainstream. However, the angular rate sensor of this type has a complicated structure, which makes it difficult to produce high volume efficiency in manufacturing process. For example, in the above configuration, process of bonding piezoelectric elements to each of the triangular prism-like constant elastic oscillators is required, with the result that volume efficiency cannot be improved. Further, along with the miniaturization of the sensor, accuracy in a support mechanism or bonding accuracy of the piezoelectric element to the constant elastic metal oscillator has been increasingly demanded. In addition, influence of a bonding layer to the oscillator is increased. Therefore, manufacturing efficiency is lowered and manufacturing cost is significantly increased.
Another conventional angular rate sensor shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C includes an oscillator 117 having a columnar piezoelectric ceramic oscillator 110. The piezoelectric ceramic oscillator 110 has six electrodes 111 to 116 printed on a side surface thereof. The first to third electrodes 111 to 113 are independently formed. The fourth to sixth electrodes 114 to 116 are connected to the same ground potential. This angular rate sensor includes an amplifier 118 connected to the first electrode 111, a phase shifter 119 connected to the amplifier 118, an adder 120 connected to the phase shifter 119, a differential amplifier 121 connected to the second and third electrodes 112 and 113, a synchronous detector 122 connected to the differential amplifier 121, and a low-pass filter 123 connected to the synchronous detector 122. This angular rate sensor applies a voltage to the first electrode 111 to oscillate the oscillator 117, and detects Coriolis force generated in the oscillator 117 with the second and third electrodes 112 and 113.
In this conventional angular rate sensor, the electrodes 111 to 116 are printed on the oscillator 117 as described above. This eliminates the need to bond the piezoelectric elements to the oscillator 117 and makes the structure of the sensor relatively simple. However, in the case where the sensor size is reduced, it is difficult to produce an accurately configured piezoelectric ceramic oscillator 110 and, it is also difficult to print the electrodes onto the piezoelectric ceramic oscillator 110 with high accuracy.
That is, while this conventional angular rate sensor uses the columnar piezoelectric ceramic oscillator 110, it is difficult to manufacture, with high accuracy, the columnar piezoelectric ceramic oscillator 110 as compared to the triangular prism-like or quadratic prism like oscillator. Further, it is not easy to print with high accuracy the electrodes onto the rounded surface of this angular rate sensor. As described above, the use of the columnar piezoelectric ceramic oscillator 110 makes it difficult to produce the angular rate sensor in large volume. Even though the mass-production has been realized, it is difficult to reduce manufacturing cost.
Still another conventional angular rate sensor 201 shown in FIG. 3 includes: a quadratic prism-like oscillator 201a; an electrode 204 formed on a side surface 202a of a ferrite section 202; and a piezoelectric element 203. The quadratic prism-like oscillator 201a is formed by laminating the ferrite section 202 and a piezoelectric ceramic section 203a which is a piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric element 203, which faces the electrode 204 across the oscillator 201a, is constituted by electrodes 203b and 203c disposed on a side surface 203a1 of the piezoelectric ceramic section 203a and the piezoelectric ceramic section 203a. The angular rate sensor 201 applies a voltage between the electrode 204 and electrodes 203b and 203c to allow the piezoelectric element 203 to oscillate the oscillator 201a. Further, the angular rate sensor 201 includes an adder 210, an amplifier 211, and a phase-shifter 212. These components 210 to 212 and electrodes 203b and 203c of the piezoelectric element 203 function as an oscillation drive section for oscillating the oscillator 201a. Further, the angular rate sensor 201 includes a differential amplifier 213, a synchronous detector 214 connected to the output of the adder 210, and a low-pass filter 215. These components 213 to 215 and outside electrodes 203b and 203c of the piezoelectric element 203 function as a detection section for detecting oscillation of the ferrite section 202. That is, the piezoelectric element 203 of the angular rate sensor 201 has a function of driving oscillation as well as a function of detecting the oscillation. With the above configuration, the angular rate sensor 201 detects Coriolis force generated in the oscillator 201a with the piezoelectric element 203, thereby detecting angular rate.
It is only necessary to provide a piezoelectric element only on one surface in this angular rate sensor, which makes the structure thereof relatively simple. However, in this conventional angular rate sensor, electrodes function as drive electrodes as well as detection electrodes. It follows that, when driving efficiency is adjusted to a desired value according to the shape or size of the drive electrode, detection efficiency also changes. Thus, it is difficult to adjust the driving and detection efficiency to desired values at the same time.
That is, the conventional angular rate sensor shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C has a complicated structure due to the need of bonding the piezoelectric element to the constant elastic metal oscillator, and a complicated oscillator support mechanism. The conventional angular rate sensor shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C uses the columnar piezoelectric ceramic oscillator, which makes it difficult to manufacture the oscillator with high accuracy. Further, it is not easy to print electrodes onto the curved surface accurately.


A minimally invasive coronary anastomosis procedure includes providing an incision in an intercostal space between two ribs of a patient, the incision providing access to a selected anastomosis site on a blocked coronary artery. A spreader device is inserted between the two ribs, the spreader device spreading the two ribs apart to sufficiently widen the incision for the procedure to be performed through the incision. An internal mammary artery is dissected from the thoracic wall, and the heart is pharmaceutically treated to substantially reduce its heartbeat. The blocked coronary artery is clamped at two spaced-apart positions at the selected anastomosis site. The blocked coronary artery is incised, and the dissected internal mammary artery is sutured to the incision at the anastomosis site.

The present invention relates to coronary anastomosis procedures, and in particular, it relates to minimally invasive coronary anastomosis procedures.
Coronary arterial diseases remain one of the leading causes of mortality. The disease may be manifested by insufficient blood flow resulting in angina, myocardial infarction and death.
A number of approaches have been developed and used for treating coronary arterial diseases. Pharmaceuticals and lifestyle changes are used in less severe cases to lessen the progression of the disease. Coronary blockage in more severe cases is often treated endovascularly using techniques such as balloon angioplasty, atheroectomy, laser ablation, stents and hot tip probes.
In cases where the above-mentioned treatments have failed or will not likely result in reducing or eliminating the blockage, often times a coronary artery bypass graft procedure is performed using the traditional open surgical techniques. Typically, using such a technique, the patient's sternum is opened and the chest is spread apart to provide the surgeon access to the heart. A source of arterial blood is then connected to the coronary artery distal to the occlusion. Typically the heart is stopped using potassium cardioplegia and perfusion to the vital organs is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. The source of arterial blood is often the left or right internal mammary artery (IMA).
This traditional approach is effective in relieving angina and restoring blood flow to the heart, however cardiopulmonary bypass being non-pulsatile in nature has been associated with neurophysiological disorders, stroke, renal failure, and liver disfunction. Patients typically spend two to three months recuperating before returning to work. Often times the patient cannot even drive for four to six weeks after such surgery since their chests have been severely opened.
One of the problems in performing coronary surgery is providing the surgeon sufficient access to the surgical area. Human anatomy provides the coronary area protection through the sternum, the rib cage and the costal cartilages. However, the same protective structure provides a barrier and a problem for the surgeon in performing coronary surgery. In the past, surgeons have simply cut through the sternum or the rib cage to provide access into the thoracic cavity. Sawing or cutting such structure has obvious traumatic effects on the patient.
Less traumatic procedures have been developed recently. For example, the Sterman et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,733 describes a thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass procedure. This procedure uses several trocar sheaths such as used in conventional laporascopic procedures to provide access into the patient's chest and to provide access for a viewing scope. However, the bypass procedure is utilizing cardioplegia to arrest the heart and cardiopulmonary bypass to perfuse the vital organs prior to connecting the arterial graft to the coronary artery.
Similarly, the Sterman et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,215 describes a method and devices for performing less-invasive arterial surgical procedures. A scope is positioned through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest to provide a view within the patient's chest. Through another percutaneous penetration in an intercostal space in the patient's chest, a tool is inserted to perform the surgical procedure. Again, prior to the percutaneous penetrations, the patient's heart is arrested and placed on cardiopulmonary bypass.
A number of devices have been developed for retracting bones and tissue in cardiovascular surgery. Such devices are described in the Santilli et al. Re. No. 34,150, Couetil U.S. Pat. No. 4,809,985, Chaux U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,552, Farley U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,587 and Bugge U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,779. Other devices similar in construction but useful for different surgical procedures are also disclosed in the Coker U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,841, Grieshaber U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,401, the Casper et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,616,635, the Jascalvich U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,783 and the Nelson U.S. Pat. No. 2,670,732.
Another minimally invasive coronary bypass procedure is described in an article in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune dated Sep. 19, 1995 which describes a procedure titled "Trap Door Procedure" for performing a bypass operation in which the heart is not placed under cardiopulmonary bypass. The entry into the chest cavity is a three-inch-long opening in the lower breast bone. The heartbeat is reduced to 35 beats per minute through the use of pharmaceuticals. The IMA is clamped and is dissected for use as the bypass to restore blood flow to the heart. The blocked coronary artery is clamped and a slit is made into the artery distal to the occlusion. The IMA is sutured to the blocked coronary artery over the slice. Eight sutures are made between heartbeats and left loose until all sutures are in place. The sutures are then pulled tight and tied to close the two arteries together. Although this minimally invasive procedure results in less trauma and a reduced hospital stay along with reduced costs then previous prior art procedures, it is still somewhat traumatic since the incision is made through the breast bone.

Device and procedure for minimally invasive coronary anastomosis


The present disclosure provides a mobile terminal comprising: a main body of the terminal; a holography module attached to the main body of the terminal and positioned so as to output a holographic image into a preset space; and a first camera module arranged in the direction of the preset space so as to film the holographic image. Also, the present invention provides a system for controlling holography comprising the mobile terminal and a target apparatus. The target apparatus is configured so as to film the holographic image by communicating with the mobile terminal or to analyze the holographic image and generate an operational command corresponding thereto.

Mobile terminals are electronic devices which are portable and have at least one of voice and telephone call functions, information input and/or output functions, a data storage function and the like.
As it becomes multifunctional, the mobile terminal can be allowed to capture still images or moving images, play music or video files, play games, receive broadcast and the like, so as to be implemented as an integrated multimedia player.
Many efforts are undergoing to support and enhance various functions as such multimedia player in view of hardware or software improvements. As one example, a user interface environment is provided in order for users to easily and conveniently perform a voice (audio) recording or retrieve or select a voice (audio) file.
In addition to those efforts, a method for more improving functions of a mobile terminal may be taken into account. The improvement method may include structural changes and improvements for more facilitating a user to use the mobile terminal. As one of the structural changes and improvements, a mobile terminal having a holography module and a holography control system using a holographic image may be considered.

Mobile terminal and system for controlling holography provided therewith


A bicycle saddle includes a frame and a padding placed over the frame. The padding includes a leading edge, a trailing edge and a recessed supporting surface defined therein for receiving an elastic element. The elastic element includes leading and trailing edge portions for receiving the leading and trailing edges of the padding respectively. The elastic element further includes two side edges extending longitudinally between the leading and trailing edge portions exposed from the recessed supporting surface so that when the bicycle saddle is subject to a force of weight transmitted from a rider, the elastic element can extend transversely to the longitudinal direction between leading and trailing edge portions thereof without confinement.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a bicycle saddle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Modern bicycle saddles preferably include a padding comprised of a first resilient section and a second resilient section, with the first resilient section being softer than the second resilient section such that the first resilient section provides more cushioning effect than the second resilient section. Furthermore, the first resilient section primarily supports the external genital of a rider and thereby reducing the pressure placed on the perineum. Examples of such bicycle saddles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,752 to Terry, U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,024 to Bigolin and U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,230 to Bontrager.
However, a problem with these modem saddle designs is the expandability of the first pad is limited by the fact that the second resilient section completely surrounds the edge of the first resilient section. Furthermore, each of Terry, Bigolin and Bontrager discloses a seat cover applied over the padding. The seat cover can also limit the expandability of the first pad, thereby reducing the buffering effect of the first resilient section.
The present invention is, therefore, intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in the prior art.


An elastomeric endless track for use on tracked vehicles or with wheel replacing traction assemblies is provided. The track generally comprises a ground-engaging outer surface provided with traction lugs generally disposed longitudinally according to a traction lug pitch, and a wheel-engaging inner surface provided with drive lugs disposed longitudinally according to a drive lug pitch and guide lugs disposed longitudinally according to a guide lug pitch. Such a track comprises the feature of having the guide lug pitch and/or the length of the guide lugs chosen so as to reduce the distance between consecutive guide lugs in order to reduce and/or prevent occurrences of detracking.

Conventionally, elastomeric tracks used on tracked vehicles are composed of a main elastomeric track body having reinforcing elements embedded therein. The reinforcing elements may come in a variety of forms such as reinforcing web or fabric, reinforcing cables or strips and stiffening rods.
Endless tracks also generally define a ground-engaging outer surface and a wheel-engaging inner surface. Typically, the outer surface is provided with a tread pattern of ground-engaging traction lugs. The pattern and the shape of the traction lugs are generally designed for particular conditions of operation and therefore can vary according to the weight of the vehicle and to the terrain upon which the vehicle is designed to be operated.
For its part, the inner surface is generally adapted to cooperate with a sprocket wheel, with one or more sliding rails and/or with road and/or idler wheels. In that sense, the inner surface is typically provided with drive lugs adapted to engage and/or cooperate with the sprocket wheel in order to transmit power from the sprocket wheel to the track. The inner surface is also advantageously provided with guide lugs which are generally adapted to guide the track, to prevent lateral movements and to prevent occurrences of detracking. Generally, but by no means in all cases, the guide lugs are not used to drive to the track.
Typically, the drive lugs and the guide lugs are laterally aligned along lug areas between which extend lug-less hinge areas.
However, the aforementioned conventional endless track suffers from still being prone detracking occurrences, particularly when the track is subjected to high lateral forces. There is thus a need for an improved elastomeric endless track which generally mitigates the aforementioned and other drawbacks.


The embodiments disclosed generally relate to a read head sensor in a magnetic recording head. The read head sensor comprises side shields in addition to the upper and lower shields. The upper shield sensor is a multilayer structure with antiferromagnetic coupling. The side shield is a multilayer structure whereby a lower magnetic layer is separated from an upper magnetic layer. The upper magnetic layer is ferromagnetically coupled to a bottom layer of the upper shield. The bias direction of the read head sensor is antiparallel to the bottom layer of the upper shield.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a magnetic read head sensor for use in a hard disk drive. The read head sensor is a magnetoresistive effect type. In particular, the embodiments relate to read head sensors utilizing side shields.
2. Description of the Related Art
The heart of a computer is a magnetic disk drive which typically includes a rotating magnetic disk, a slider that has read and write heads, a suspension arm above the rotating disk and an actuator arm that swings the suspension arm to place the read and/or write heads over selected circular tracks on the rotating disk. The suspension arm biases the slider towards the surface of the disk when the disk is not rotating but, when the disk rotates, air is swirled by the rotating disk adjacent a media facing surface (MFS), such as an air bearing surface (ABS), of the slider causing the slider to ride on an air bearing a slight distance from the surface of the rotating disk. When the slider rides on the air bearing, the write and read heads are employed for writing and reading magnetic transitions corresponding to host data. The read and write heads are connected to a signal processing circuitry that operates according to a computer program to implement the writing and reading functions.
The read head of a hard disk drive includes a spin valve element utilizing a magnetoresistive effect. By sensing the relative magnetizations of two ferromagnetic thin films sandwiching an intermediate layer, magnetic information can be read from nanoscale magnets on the disk. Reductions in various dimensions of the sensor element and improvements in the film characteristics have contributed to improvements in recording density, allowing current recording tracks to achieve a width less than approximately 100 nanometers.
However, further improvements in recording density using previously known devices have proven to be difficult. Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved read head having side shields.

AF-coupled dual side shield reader with AF-coupled USL


A controller determines the presence/absence of change in focal length caused by a zooming operation, and determines the necessity of correcting image plane shift caused by said change in focal length. Blur correction is prohibited when executing correction of image plane shift, and image plane shift is corrected by calculating the amount of movement of the focusing lens based on set focal length information, current position information of the focusing lens, and correction information stored in memory. When correction is unnecessary, the controller determines blur correction is permitted when the drive of the focusing lens ends, and executes the correction. The blur correction and the image plane shift correction are not executed simultaneously.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lens drive controller, and specifically relates to a lens drive controller suitable for zoom lens systems which electronically correct movement of the focal plane during zooming and which is provided with a device to correct image blur caused by camera movement or vibration, and apparatus provided with such drive controller.
2. Description of the Related Art
In zoom lens systems used in cameras and the like, the focal plane shifts as the focal length of the lens changes during the zooming operation. Therefore, in conventional zoom lens systems, focal plane shift is corrected by moving a focusing lens unit via a cam mechanism simultaneously with the operation that changes the focal length by moving the zooming lens unit via a cam mechanism, such that there is no shifting of the focal plane by the zooming operation.
The aforesaid construction, however, uses a plurality of cams of complex configuration, which is disadvantageous insofar as it enlarges and complicates the overall structure of the zoom lens system. To resolve these disadvantages, an electronic correction process has been proposed, that is, a central processing unit (CPU) provided in a zoom lens system calculates the amount of correction required to correct focal plane shifting caused by a zooming operation, and driving a focusing lens unit based on said calculation result.
In such electronic correction, the distance between the focal length at the wide angle end of the zoom lens element and the focal length at the telephoto end thereof is divided into a plurality of zones in advance. Then, electronic correction treats the change in focal length of the zoom lens system caused by a zooming operation as movement from one zone to another zone, and has pre-stored in memory various correction information for correcting focal plane shift related to each zone.
When a change in focal length of the zoom lens system (i.e., movement from one zone to another zone) is detected, a determination is made as to whether or not the shift in the focal plane requires correction based on the focal length information after said change and the current position information of the focusing lens unit. When the result of the aforesaid determination is that the focal plane shift must be corrected, the amount of movement of the focusing lens unit to achieve said correction is calculated based on the focal length information after said change, the current position information of the focusing lens unit, and correction information for correcting focal plane shift previously stored in memory, whereupon the focal plane shift is then corrected by moving the focusing lens unit by the calculated amount of movement.
In conventional zoom lens systems using cam mechanisms, a user can normally confirm the focused photographic object without a sense of unease because the focal plane shift is corrected without temporal delay by simultaneously moving the focusing lens unit via a cam mechanism and moving the zoom lens unit via the zooming operation. In electronic correction, however, a user may have a sense of unease unless the focusing lens unit rapidly tracks the zooming operation since the lens element CPU starts the calculation process in response to the zooming operation.
On the other hand, a correction method has been proposed wherein a blur correction lens unit is provided used in a lens system or used in a camera, so as to correct image blur caused by vibration of the camera by detecting shaking (movement) of the camera resulting from the hand shake of the operator, and driving the blur correction lens unit accordingly. Since this type of lens system and this type of camera are constructed so as to execute the zooming operation, focus detection, and exposure control and the like using a battery as a power source, the load on the battery is increased, as well as the load for calculations performed by the CPU.
Therefore, when accomplishing blur correction during a zooming operation, disadvantages arise inasmuch as there is a reduction in correction response speed to the focal plane shift, and the camera operator does not receive an excellent sense of the operation.

Lens drive controller and apparatus provided with drive controller


An apparatus including a resistor capacitor network that includes an integrated high resistance resistor on top of a MOS capacitor. The resistor capacitor network includes a metal oxide semiconductor capacitor portion that includes a high-k gate oxide layer. The value of k is in a range of 4.0 to 100.0. The resistor capacitor network further includes a high resistance polysilicon gate layer formed over the high-k gate oxide layer. The resistance of the polysilicon gate layer is in a range of 100 to 2000 ohms per square.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of resistor-capacitor (RC) network 100 that includes, among other elements, a high resistance (high-R) resistor 102 and a metal-oxide-silicon (MOS) capacitor 104 that includes a high-k metal gate 106 (where k is a dielectric constant and the high-k is with respect to the dielectric constant of silicon dioxide). High resistance is generally in a range of 100 to 2000 ohms/square, while high-k typically refers to a k value that is generally in a range of 4.0 to 100.0. Thus, the MOS capacitor 104 is generally referred to as a high-k metal gate (HKMG) MOS capacitor. The high-R resistor 102 is located on a shallow trench isolation portion 108. Thus, as can be seen, the RC network 100 generally has a fairly wide profile.
When creating HKMG MOS capacitors 104, and more particularly, an RC network 100 with modern transistors, a gate-last based HKMG integration scheme generally requires strict polysilicon density requirements due to the multiple chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) processes involved in the formation of the high-k metal gate 106. The metal gate density requirement limits the HKMG MOS capacitor 104 density per given area. This can become a major concern for high performance, low cost circuit design. A typical HKMG manufacturing process generally only offers RC networks that include high-R resistors that are formed on shallow trench isolation portions adjacent to MOS capacitors, which, as previously noted, results in the RC network having a fairly wide profile.
Prior to the HKMG embodiment of RC networks, a polysilicon gate was formed on a diffusion layer to provide a MOS capacitor. In moving to the current generation of HKMG MOS capacitors, in order to achieve the same capacitance, the area required for the MOS capacitor increases in size due to the aforementioned CMP requirements for the high-k metal gate 102. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the transition from a polysilicon gate MOS capacitor 200 to an HKMG MOS capacitor arrangement 202. As can be seen in FIG. 2, to achieve the same capacitance in the HKMG MOS capacitor arrangement 202 as in the polysilicon gate MOS capacitor 200, four HKMG MOS capacitors 104 are needed. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 2, a high-R resistor 102 and HKMG MOS capacitor 104 arrangement in RC networks 100 generally results in a layout area increase, thus increasing the cost of a chip that includes such RC networks.

RC networks that include an integrated high resistance resistor on top of a MOS capacitor


Mammalian sRAGE mimetibody polypeptides and nucleic acids are disclosed. Methods of utilizing the polypeptides to reduce or inhibit the binding of RAGE and its ligands and to treat RAGE-related diseases are also disclosed.

The Receptor for Advanced Glycated Endproducts (RAGE) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell-surface molecules. It was originally identified and characterized as a cellular receptor for glucose (aldose sugar)-modified proteins or Advanced Glycated Endproducts (AGE) (Schmidt et al., J. Biol. Chem. 267: 14987-14997, (1992); Neeper et al., J. Biol. Chem. 267: 14998-15004, (1992)). AGE have been implicated in a variety of disorders associated with diabetes and aging (reviewed in Schmidt et al., Nature Med. 1: 1002-1004, (1995)). Binding of AGE to RAGE induces inflammatory responses in blood vessel walls, which can trigger or aggravate the pathogenesis of macro- or micro-angiopathy.
RAGE has also been reported to interact with other ligands, including amphoterin, a matrix-associated polypeptide that promotes outgrowth of cultured cortical neurons derived from developing brain (Hori et al., J. Biol. Chem. 270: 25752-25761, (1995)). Amphoterin, also known in the literature as high mobility group B1 (HMGB1), has been shown to contribute to a variety of disease states including cancer, inflammatory conditions and sepsis. See Lotze and DeMarco, Curr. Opin. Investig. Drugs 4: 1405-1409 (2003); Scaffidi et al., Nature 418: 191-195 (2002); and Wang et al., Science 285: 248-251 (1999). The expression of RAGE is markedly enhanced and co-localizes with that of amphoterin at the leading edge of advancing neurites, which indicates a potential contribution to cellular migration and in pathologies such as tumor invasion. It has been reported that either anti-RAGE F(ab′)2 or soluble RAGE inhibited neurite outgrowth on amphoterin-coated matrices (Taguchi et al., Nature 405: 354-360, (2000)). Soluble RAGE (sRAGE) is the extracellular domain of the receptor. In addition, blockade of RAGE-amphoterin binding decreased growth and metastases of both implanted tumors and tumors developing spontaneously in susceptible mice, Id.
RAGE has also been identified as a receptor on neurons and microglia for β-amyloid, a polypeptide linked to the pathogenesis of neuronal toxicity and death in Alzheimer's disease (Yan et al., Nature 382: 685-691 (1996)). Expression of RAGE is particularly increased in neurons close to deposits of β-amyloid peptide and to neurofibrillary tangles. In mice, RAGE mediates the transport of human β-amyloid-40 and -42 across the blood-brain barrier (Deane et al., Nature Med. 9: 907-913 (2003)). Inhibition of the RAGE-ligand interaction, either by anti-RAGE IgG or soluble RAGE, neither of which is transported across the blood-brain barrier, suppressed the accumulation of β-amyloid in brain parenchyma in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, Id.
RAGE is also a central cell surface receptor for S100A2 and related members of the S100/calgranulins superfamily (Hofmann et al., Cell 97: 889-901 (1999)). Interaction of S100A2 and cellular RAGE on endothelium, mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes triggers cellular activation and generation of key proinflammatory mediators. In murine models, blockade of S100A2/RAGE quenched delayed-type hypersensitivity and inflammatory colitis by arresting activation of central signaling pathways and expression of inflammatory gene mediators, Id.
Studies have also shown that binding of RAGE by a ligand triggers activation of key cell signaling pathways, such as p21(ras), MAP kinases, NF-κb, and cdc42/rac thereby reprogramming cellular properties. For example, upon ligand binding, RAGE initiates a signaling cascade that results in the translocation of NF-κb to the nucleus and increased expression of adhesion molecules, procoagulant molecules and inflammatory proteins (Kislinger et al., J. Biol. Chem. 274: 31740-31749 (1999)).
Studies have indicated that RAGE interacts with various molecules implicated in homeostasis, development, inflammation, and certain diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Accordingly, it would generally be desirable to block or otherwise inhibit these interactions, when associated with a disease state, to treat or prevent the associated pathologies.
sRAGE has been shown to be efficacious in animal disease models for atherosclerosis, tumor growth and metastasis, colitis, delayed-type hypersensitivity, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, and Alzheimers disease (Park et al., Nature Med. 4: 1025-1031 (1998); Taguchi et al., supra; Hofmann et al., supra; Yan et al., supra) and can be purified or expressed recombinantly. sRAGE lacks the transmembrane and extracellular domains of full-length RAGE and has three immunoglobulin-like regions: an N-terminal region most similar to an immunoglobulin variable domain (V domain) followed by two regions resembling immunoglobulin constant regions (C domains).
SRAGE has been used extensively in vitro and in vivo to study RAGE-ligand interactions. However, the half-life of sRAGE in rats is 24 hours and therefore sRAGE itself is impractical as a therapeutic for disease. Further, an anti-RAGE IgG would have to bind and inhibit large amounts of RAGE normally expressed in tissues such as lung and may induce death of normal cells. Thus, a need exists for a modified sRAGE that will overcome the short half-life while retaining the AGE binding function of RAGE.

sRAGE mimetibody, compositions, methods and uses


A method of temporarily protecting an electrically sensitive component from damage due to electrostatic discharge includes defining a shunt having first and second leads electrically connected in parallel with the component and separated by a gap. A portion of a shield layer is deposited to form the shunt between the first and second leads to span the gap therebetween and form a shunted assembly. The shunted assembly and component are lapped to form the ABS at the location of the component, a sacrificial carbon overcoat is deposited on the ABS, and additional processing is performed on the shunted assembly. A portion of the shunted assembly, the shunt, and portions of the sacrificial carbon overcoat are then removed to form an electrical open for an unshunted assembly having ABS features comprising an air bearing cavity/deep gap at a former location of the shunted assembly.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to protecting wafer-based structures from electrostatic discharge and, in particular, to an improved system, method, and apparatus for forming and then later removing a temporary, deep shunt on a wafer structure that protects the electrically sensitive structure during fabrication.
2. Description of the Related Art
Magnetic disk drives include a rotating magnetic disk, a slider that has read and write heads, a suspension arm above the rotating disk and an actuator arm that swings the suspension arm to place the read and write heads over selected circular tracks on the rotating disk. The suspension arm urges the slider into contact with the surface of the disk when the disk is not rotating but, when the disk rotates, air is swirled by the rotating disk adjacent an air bearing surface (ABS) of the slider causing the slider to ride on an air bearing a slight distance from the surface of the rotating disk. When the slider rides on the air bearing the write and read heads are employed for writing magnetic impressions to and reading magnetic field signals from the rotating disk. The read and write heads are connected to processing circuitry that operates according to a computer program to implement the writing and reading functions.
A high performance read head employs a spin valve sensor for sensing the magnetic signal fields from the rotating magnetic disk. The sensor includes a nonmagnetic electrically conductive first spacer layer sandwiched between a ferromagnetic pinned layer structure and a ferromagnetic free layer structure. An antiferromagnetic pinning layer interfaces the pinned layer structure for pinning a magnetic moment of the pinned layer structure perpendicular to an air bearing surface (ABS) wherein the ABS is an exposed surface of the sensor that faces the magnetic disk. First and second leads are connected to the spin valve sensor for conducting a sense current therethrough.
In addition to the spin valve sensor the read head includes nonmagnetic electrically nonconductive first and second read gap layers and ferromagnetic first and second shield layers. The spin valve sensor is located between the first and second read gap layers and the first and second read gap layers are located between the first and second shield layers. In the construction of the read head the first shield layer is formed first followed by formation of the first read gap layer, the spin valve sensor, the second read gap layer and the second shield layer.
First and second leads are connected to the read sensor and extend therefrom between the first and second read gap layers and beyond the gap layers inside the slider to first and second lead ends which are located at an exterior surface of the slider. Third and fourth leads are connected across the write head and extend within the slider to spaced apart third and fourth lead ends at the exterior surface of the slider. First, second, third and fourth electrical pads are connected to the first, second, third and fourth lead ends for further connection to additional leads which connect the read and write heads to the aforementioned processing circuitry. During construction and assembly of the slider and the read and write heads, the sensor of the read head must be protected from electrostatic discharge (ESD) since the read sensor is a very small conductive element. The risk of damage to the write coil due to ESD is much less since it is a much larger conductive element. A discharge with only a few volts between the spaced apart first and second read pads can destroy or severely damage the read sensor. Such a discharge can occur by contact with or close proximity to a person, plastic involved in fabrication or components of the magnetic disk drive.
A typical arrangement for protecting the read sensor from ESD is to interconnect the first and second read pads with a thin film conductive line (shunt) on the exterior surface of the slider. This shorts the read circuit, preventing a discharge thereacross. The best time during assembly to form the conductive shunt between the pads is at the wafer level.
Magnetic heads are typically formed in rows and columns on the wafer which may be aluminum oxide/titanium carbide. At the wafer level the conductive shunts are formed between the read pads for shorting the read sensors. After formation of the magnetic heads the wafer is cut into rows. Each row is then cut into individual heads with a portion of the wafer serving as a slider for supporting the magnetic heads. Each slider with the heads mounted thereon is mounted on a head gimbal assembly (HGA) which, in turn, is mounted on a suspension which, in turn, is mounted on an actuator arm. A plurality of actuator arms may then be mounted in an actuator assembly to form a head stack assembly (HSA). From the time of forming the conductive shunts up to the time of forming the HSA the read sensors are protected from ESD. The next step is to merge the HSA with a disk stack assembly to form a complete disk drive which step is referred to in the art as "merge". The most practical time to sever the conductive shunt of each read head so that the read head becomes operational is just before merge. This severing may be done with a laser beam.
The slider material has very low electrical conductivity and therefore cannot function as a seed layer for plating the pads of the conductive shunt (if plated). A conductive seed layer, typically sputtered, is employed for plating the pads and to act as the whole or part of the conductive shunt. The slider typically has an overcoat of aluminum oxide at the location of the pads and the conductive shunt. Gold is a desirable material for the conductive shunt but has very poor adhesion to the aluminum oxide overcoat. Also, adhesion between patterning resist and gold is poor. Moreover, with giant magnetoresistive (GMR) and tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) recording head technology, the recording sensor volume is very small and very sensitive to ESD. Although it is useful to provide a protecting shunt for the sensors through most of the processing, it is also important to remove the shunt prior to sensor testing and operation. One proposed solution is to use laser delete shunts, which are relatively expensive and require difficult manufacturing steps. Thus, an improved solution for protecting wafer-based structures from electrostatic discharge would be desirable.

Method for providing a temporary deep shunt on wafer structures for electrostatic discharge protection during processing

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.


A bump electrode of an inexpensive and reliable semiconductor device is provided in which a remaining metal wire portion produced during bump electrode formation is eliminated. The remaining metal wire portion made in a bump electrode forming method for a semiconductor device using a wire bonding technique is pressed and reshaped from above with heat or ultrasonic waves so as to apply pressure and heat to the bump electrode by using a stamping tool.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a method of forming a bump electrode of a semiconductor device, a method of packaging a semiconductor device, a chip carrier tape, a display device and an electronic printing device incorporating a semiconductor device having a bump electrode formed by the present method.
2. Description of the Related Art
A well-known method for forming a bump electrode of a semiconductor device uses a wire bonding technique. With reference to FIG. 14, a torch such as an electric torch (not shown) is opposed to the leading end of a wire 3 made of, for example, gold, copper, solder or aluminum which is passed through a capillary 1, and a spark is generated between the wire 3 and the electric torch, thereby forming a ball at the leading end of the wire 3. Subsequently, the ball is pressed against an electrode of a semiconductor (e.g., a single crystal silicon) substrate 4 (which can include, for example, an aluminum film 6 and a passivation film 5 thereon) to be joined to the wire 3 by lowering the capillary 1 as shown in FIG. 15. Ultrasonic waves are applied to the edge portion of the electrode terminal to secure the ball to substrate 4. Heat from an unillustrated heater block is also transmitted to the bump electrode 7 through the semiconductor substrate 4. Such heat fuses and fixes the bump electrode 7 onto the electrode of the semiconductor substrate 4. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the wire 3 is held by closing a clamp 2 and torn by simultaneously raising the wire 3 and clamp 2, so that a bump electrode 7 is formed on the electrode of the semiconductor substrate 4. For an example of this conventional bump electrode formation method see, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent No. 49-52973.
In the above described method, a portion 8 of the metal wire having a length of from about 10.about.40 .mu.m remains as a part of the bump electrode due to the growth of crystal grains in the metal wire arising from the heat of the ball when the capillary 1 and wire 3 are raised. Therefore, the height of the bump electrode becomes uneven. FIG. 17 is a photograph of a bump electrode made by this prior art process. Furthermore, the leading end of the bump electrode (the part containing portion 8) is acutely shaped, and thus the bump electrode cannot be brought into uniform contact with other electrodes, terminals, or contacts. These problems make it impossible to obtain good electric continuity, resulting in inconveniences, such as defective continuity and short circuits between electrodes.
In "Chip-On Glass Mounting Technology of LSIs for LCD Module", IMC 1990 proceedings, Tokyo, May 30-Jun. 1, 1990, Yoshihiro Bessho et al disclose applying a conductive adhesive to stud bumps so that LSIs can be bonded to electrode terminals on an LCD panel. Prior to applying the conductive adhesive to the stud bumps, the stud bumps are pressed by a flat surface to level the bumps on the LSI chip. See step (2) on page 187.

Semiconductor device, method of forming bump electrode of a semiconductor device, method of packaging a semiconductor device, chip carrier tape, display device and electronic printing device incorporating the semiconductor device


Described is a memory controller interfacing with a host and a nonvolatile memory. The memory controller may include a buffer unit configured to store an input address table and a first hot address table; and a processing unit configured to judge whether an address from the host coincides with one of addresses stored in the input address table and to store the address from the host in the first hot address table according to the judgment.

1. Field
Exemplary embodiments of the general inventive concept relate to a memory system, and more particularly, relate to a memory controller controlling a nonvolatile memory device.
2. Description of the Related Art
A semiconductor memory device is a memory device which is fabricated using semiconductors such as silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium phosphide (InP), and the like. Semiconductor memory devices are classified into volatile memory devices and nonvolatile memory devices.
The volatile memory devices may lose stored contents at power-off. The volatile memory devices may include a static RAM (SRAM), a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), and the like. The nonvolatile memory devices may retain stored contents even at power-off. The nonvolatile memory devices may include a read only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), a flash memory device, a phase-change RAM (PRAM), a magnetic RAM (MRAM), a resistive RAM (RRAM), a ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), and the like. The flash memory device is roughly divided into a NOR type and a NAND type.

Memory controller controlling a nonvolatile memory