A scroll fluid machine has a fixed scroll in a housing and an orbiting scroll rotatably mounted to a driving shaft. A fixed wrap of the fixed scroll is engaged with an orbiting wrap of the orbiting scroll. The orbiting scroll is revolved at a certain eccentricity by the driving shaft, so that a gas sucked through the circumference of the housing is compressed as it moves toward the center, and discharged through the center. A gas-guiding bore is formed near the center of the orbiting scroll, and a heat-releasing rod is inserted in the bore. One end of the heat-releasing rod is projected from the fixed scroll to release heat to atmosphere.

The present invention relates to a scroll fluid machine, and particularly to a scroll fluid machine, such as a scroll vacuum pump or a scroll pressurizing machine, in which a fixed wrap of a fixed scroll in a housing is engaged with an orbiting wrap of an orbiting scroll rotatably connected to an eccentric axial portion of a driving shaft, the orbiting scroll being revolved at a certain eccentricity by the driving shaft, thereby compressing a gas sucked from the circumference or the center of the housing as it moves toward the center or circumference and being discharged.
Such a scroll fluid machine is known among persons skilled in the art.
A scroll fluid machine runs for a long time, so that temperatures of a driving shaft, an eccentric axial portion of the driving shaft, bearings and packings rise to result in damage in the bearings and packings or in leak of lubricating oil. Hence it makes the machine impossible to use.
To increase durability of the scroll fluid machine, it is necessary to avoid excessive high temperature on the eccentric axial portion of the driving shaft during long-time operation.
To comply with such requirements, the following measures are taken and known among persons skilled in the art.
(1) Low or room temperature air or nitrogen is introduced into a compressing portion of a scroll fluid machine to dilute toxicity in the compressing portion.
(2) A gas-guiding bore is axially formed in a driving shaft, and a low or room temperature air or nitrogen is discharged through the gas-guiding bore. After it passes through the bearing, it is introduced into the compressing portion, which is cooled by the air or nitrogen which is discharged.
(3) An eccentric axial portion of the driving shaft is formed as hollow into which low or room temperature air is introduced to cool the eccentric axial portion.
However there are disadvantages as below in the foregoing measures.
In order to introduce low or room temperature air or nitrogen into the compressing portion, it is necessary to provide introducing paths and outside supply means. Thus, the structure becomes complicate and makes its size larger to result in high cost.
A gas-guiding bore is axially formed in a driving shaft, and low or room temperature air or nitrogen is discharged through the gas-guiding bore by centrifugal force caused by rotation of the driving shaft to cool bearings. In this device, when the driving shaft stops, a toxic or foreign-substance-containing gas in a compressing portion runs back and is discharged to atmosphere through the gas-guiding bore, thereby causing contamination in atmosphere.


A compressor, in particular an axial piston compressor having an axial piston drive mechanism for the intake and compression of a coolant, has a drive shaft for the drive mechanism with radial bearings of the shaft located at the front and at the rear of the compressor housing. A drive side having a pulley is defined as the front of the compressor, and the compressor includes at least one axial bearing for the shaft, the axial bearing being located in the cylinder head or pressure cover at the rear.

The present invention relates to a compressor, in particular an axial piston compressor having an axial piston drive mechanism for aspirating and compressing a coolant, having a drive shaft for the drive mechanism, having radial bearings of the shaft located at the front and rear of the compressor housing, the drive side having the pulley being defined as the "front," and having at least one axial bearing for the shaft, this axial bearing being located in the rear housing section of the compressor.
Compressors of this type are known, for example, from German Patent Application 19807947 A1. Compared to older designs, this compressor has the advantage that an axial bearing transfers the tensile forces acting in the shaft to a cylinder block, and for that reason, the first housing section remains substantially free from pulsation forces. However, a second housing section, which may also be described as a cylinder head, and a valve plate are still affected by the pulsating pressure forces produced by the compressor work, it being necessary for these forces to be absorbed via a connection between housing section and the second housing section, namely the cylinder block, and routed to the axial bearing via a clamping shoulder of the cylinder block This means that in this design, cylinder head is still available as a sound emitting surface for the sound produced by the pulsating forces.


An apparatus for transferring a fluid from and/or to a system, e.g., an air conditioning system, includes a main compartment having at least one pumping device for pumping the fluid from/to the system, an interface module having at least one gauge which is configured for displaying the pressure of the fluid, and a fluid connection fluidly connecting the gauge to the main compartment. The fluid connection is formed in a double conduit design in order to prevent any leakage of the fluid from the fluid connection.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for securely transferring (e.g. recovering, evacuating and/or charging) a fluid refrigerant from/to a refrigeration system.
2. Description of the Related Art
From time to time the refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle, e.g. the refrigeration cycle of an air conditioning system, needs to be replaced and/or filled up in order to ensure proper operation of the refrigeration cycle.
Apparatuses for transferring, in particular recovering, evacuating and/or charging fluid from/to a system, in particular a refrigerant from/to a refrigeration cycle are known, e.g., from US Patent Application Publication 2008/0276634 A1.
However, as the fluid may comprise flammable substances, there is a need to ensure that the fluid does not exit to the environment and in particular that it does not come into contact with electric devices of the recovering-apparatus which could ignite the flammable substance comprised in the fluid.

Apparatus and method for recovering refrigerant through a double conduit connection


A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Red Yoirvine’, characterized by its upright and uniformly mounded plant habit; freely branching and vigorous growth habit; dark green-colored foliage; uniform flowering response; early flowering habit, eight-week response time; freely flowering habit; daisy-type inflorescences with crimson red-colored ray florets; and good postproduction longevity.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant, botanically known as Chrysanthemum×morifolium, commercially grown as a potted Chrysanthemum and hereinafter referred to by the name 'Red Yoirvine'.
The new Chrysanthemum is a naturally-occurring whole plant mutation of the Chrysanthemum×morifolium cultivar Yoirvine, not patented. The new Chrysanthemum was discovered and selected by the Inventor as a single flowering plant within a population of plants of the cultivar Yoirvine in December, 2003, in Fort Myers, Fla. The selection of this plant was based on its uniform plant growth habit, vigor, freely branching habit, desirable inflorescence form and floret colors, fast response time and excellent postproduction longevity.
Asexual reproduction of the new Chrysanthemum by vegetative tip cuttings was first conducted in Fort Myers, Fla. in March, 2004. Asexual reproduction by cuttings has shown that the unique features of this new Chrysanthemum are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.


When a user submits a content resource to a content database, an automated content categorizer facilitates the task by suggesting a list of relevant content categories in the content database. The automated content categorizer receives a search descriptor attributed to the content resource, performs a relevance search, and proposes a ranked list of category branches that are expected to provide a good match with the described content resource. Metadata associated with individual categories and content resources stored in the content database are searched relative to the search descriptor provided by the user. From the proposed content categories, the user can simply select the category he or she feels is most appropriate and store the content resource under that category in the content database, or propose a new category.

Online content databases can provide large numbers of users with access to a variety of content resources, such as articles, images, templates, video and audio files, news articles, driver updates, etc. In many online database applications, the database is characterized by a hierarchy of categories (i.e., taxonomy) that can lead a user to a content resource of interest. In one example, a user can access a website and browse a hierarchy of categories and content resources developed by the website owner. By selecting categories of interest, the user can traverse relevant branches of the hierarchy to find the content resource he or she is looking for. However, although category hierarchies facilitate a user's search for a relevant content resource, associating each content resource within the proper categories and subcategories is a difficult task, even for the website owners who maintain the hierarchies.
This problem is amplified if the capability of submitting content resources into such content category hierarchies were made available to the users themselves. For example, the website may allow users to submit templates of electronic documents, such as business cards, resumes, business forms, etc., into the online database Unfortunately, such users are not as familiar with the existing hierarchy, are not trained in content resource categorization, and do not have the same quality control concerns as the website owners. Therefore, it difficult for an unfamiliar and untrained user to select an appropriate branch of categories in which to place the content resource.


Systems and methods for steering at least one of two or more optical input beams and forming a combined optical output beam are disclosed. A system has a waveguide, one or more phase controlling devices and one or more beam steering devices. The waveguide is configured to combine the optical input beams. The one or more phase controlling devices are configured to control a phase of at least one of the optical input beams. The system can form a coherently combined optical output beam. The one or more beam steering devices are configured to laterally steer, angularly steer, or laterally and angularly steer at least one of the optical input beams. The waveguide, in conjunction with the one or more beam steering devices, is configured to form the combined optical output beam that is angularly steered, laterally steered, or angularly and laterally steered.

High power optical beams, such as those produced by lasers, are used for applications such as long range laser detection and ranging ("LADAR"), directed energy weapons, or other high power laser applications. High power lasers typically have optical output beams with over 1 kilowatt (kW) of power, and can have optical output beam powers that reach the hundreds of kilowatts or even megawatts. One difficulty in creating laser beams of very high powers is that beam quality typically degrades as laser power levels are increased. This degradation with increasing power is frequently a consequence of thermally induced distortions. Poor beam quality causes the laser area at a target to be larger than a non-distorted beam. Efforts have been made to combine the outputs from multiple lower power lasers into a single high power beam to achieve both high power and minimize degradation of beam quality.
Beam control remains one of the most significant challenges for deployment of high power laser systems for LADAR, directed energy weapons, or other high laser power applications. Typically, beam-steering and control has been achieved by the use of bulky, mechanical gimbal beam directors. For example, the airborne laser ("ABL") turret and the ground-based high energy laser system terrestrial facility ("HELSTF") beam directors have traditionally relied on such mechanical gimbal beam directors. These beam control systems are separate from the high power laser itself, thus adding considerable size, weight, and power considerations to already unwieldy systems that are challenging to deploy. In addition, because of their large size, traditional mechanical beam directors do not have as fast a response as desired, particularly for applications such as LADAR, ABL and HELSTF. Although electronic beam steering techniques have recently been developed, such techniques are presently limited by low damage thresholds of components and very low throughput. Thus, such techniques are unsuitable for high power systems.

Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.


A carrier made up of two housings includes a plurality of drive members that facilitate transferring a driving force between the two housings. When the carrier is used in a vehicle transmission, for example, the two housings preferably include generally cylindrical wall portions. A plurality of lanced drive members are formed on each of the housings. The two housings are interconnected so that the drive members on the first housing engage the drive members on the second housing and a rotary force imposed on one of the housings is transferred to the other.

This invention generally relates to a two-piece drive assembly where a drive force is transferred from one piece to the other.
Drive members are used in a variety of applications. In vehicle transmissions, for example, two opened ended cylindrical housings are sometimes used to form a transmission drive member. Such housings typically have a generally cylindrical configuration with at least one open end. The open ends typically include interspaced tangs and grooves. The tangs are circumferentially spaced along the edge of each housing at the open end. The two housings are connected together by interlocking the tangs on one housing with the tangs on the other. In other words, the tangs of one housing fit into grooves formed on the other. Although such an arrangement is useful for some applications, it is not without problems.
Forming intermixed tangs and grooves at the edge of a cylindrical housing requires removing a portion of the material. Such housings are typically made of steel. Removing portions of the steel at the open end of each housing tends to weaken the integrity of the housing. Moreover, the housings typically rotate at relatively high speeds. High speed rotation introduces centrifugal forces that urge the tangs outward. Because parts of the material have been removed and the centrifugal forces become significant, the tangs bend outward away from the center of the housing. Eventually, one or more of the tangs can become so deformed that the two-piece unit moves out of the desired alignment.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved carrier assembly that can be used as a transmission drive member, for example. This invention provides such an assembly and overcomes the shortcomings and drawbacks associated with the prior attempts.


A spread adjusting motor for a ceiling fan with coils that distribute an even magnetic field for the fan rotor to eliminate the interval noises from the current. The main feature of the coils is that they use a skip or pass through winding process for the stator coils. The first step is to wind the starter coil continuously for two full slots and then skip two slots until a full round of winding upon the stator is completed. A similar skip winding process is used for each of the speed adjusting coils. Each of the speed coils is wound one full slot after skipping three slots until a full round of winding upon the stator is completed. When the skip winding process is done, the coils are evenly distributed around the stator.

The present invention relates to a motor coil means, and more specifically is a coil structure for adjusting the speed of ceiling fan motors.
It is known that existing motor coil means for adjusting the speed of ceiling fans are formed by subdivided branch circuits from a single coil series for changing the resistance or voltage. Such subdivided branch circuits cannot distribute an even magnetic field, and therefore produce unpleasant interval noises from the current. In order to overcome this defect, an improved coil means is provided for adjusting the speed of ceiling fan motors.
The primary objective of the coil means of the present invention is to distribute an even magnetic field for the fan rotor to eliminate the interval noises from the current.
The main feature of the coil means of the present invention is to use a skip or pass-through winding process for respective stator coils (Sc, Rc 1, and Rc 2). The first step is to wind the starter coil (Sc) continuously for two full slots and then skip two slots until a full round of winding upon the stator is completed. A similar skip winding process is used for each of the speed adjusting coil means (Rc 2 and Rc 1). Each of the speed coil means is wound one full slot after skipping three slots until a full round of winding upon the stator is completed. When the skip winding process is done, the coil means (Sc, Rc 2, and Rc 1) are evenly distributed around the stator.

Coil structure for adjusting the speed of ceiling fan motors


A method of operating an activity tracking system includes collecting activity data from an activity tracking device, receiving an activity type associated with the activity data via a user input, and evaluating the collected activity data to determine whether one or more aspects thereof are within a predetermined range of values assigned to the received activity type.

Active individuals, such as walkers, runners, and other athletes commonly use activity tracking devices to track fitness data and route data. For example, runners, cyclists, and swimmers may utilize an activity tracking device to determine the distance and duration of a workout.
One approach for determining the distance traversed by a user during a workout and the speed of the user during the workout is to track the user using the global positioning system ("GPS"). By recording the time and location of the user during the workout, the activity tracking device is able to calculate useful analytics, such as the total distance traversed by the user, the average speed of the user, and the maximum speed of the user, for example.
In order to provide accurate analytics to the user, the activity tracking device should record workout data only when the user is performing a workout. For example, consider a user who completes a workout and then takes a bus back to her home. The activity tracking device should record fitness data and route data only for the duration of the workout, and not when the user is riding the bus. If the activity tracking device records fitness data and route data while the user is riding the bus, then the recorded data typically becomes corrupt and the analytics provided by the activity tracking device do not reflect the workout performed by the user. Present activity tracking devices cannot automatically determine when the user has ended the workout and started riding the bus, thereby increasing the likelihood of the user accidentally corrupting the recorded activity data.
Moreover some users, such as triathletes, change activities mid-workout. For example, a user may start a workout swimming, switch to cycling, and then conclude with a run. The typical activity tracking device cannot automatically determine when the user has changed from swimming to cycling and from cycling to running. Accordingly, the user is required to update settings on the activity tracking device during her workout. Such a process is typically viewed as a significant inconvenience to most users, because attention is diverted from the workout to the activity tracking device.
Accordingly, improvements in activity tracking devices and in the processing of the fitness data generated by activity tracking devices are desirable in order to increase the usefulness and integrity of the fitness data.

Method and apparatus for determining a type of data and an integrity of data


An integrated circuit device includes a substrate, at least one transistor, at least one metal layer, a conductive pillar, and a connecting structure. The substrate has at least one via passing therethrough. The transistor is at least partially disposed in the substrate. The metal layer is disposed on or above the substrate. The conductive pillar is disposed in the via. The connecting structure is at least partially disposed in the via and connecting the conductive pillar and the metal layer. At least a first portion of the connecting structure is made of a stress releasing material having a coefficient of thermal expansion less than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the conductive pillar. A projection of the transistor in the via overlaps with the connecting structure.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to an integrated circuit device.
2. Description of Related Art
Through-Silicon Via (TSV) is a connection passing through the silicon substrate. In general, the TSV is made of copper, whose coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is much higher than that of the silicon substrate. A huge CTE mismatch between the copper and the silicon causes a stress therebetween if the silicon substrate is surrounded in different temperatures. The stress may reduce the carrier mobility of channels of transistors disposed in the silicon substrate. Therefore, the transistors may be disposed outside a keep out zone (KOZ) around the TSV to avoid the stress effect of the TVS, where the keep out zone is an area the stress of the TSV may affect the carrier mobility of transistors disposed nearby.


An integrated circuit device, such as a fingerprint sensing device, includes an integrated circuit die, a body of encapsulating material surrounding the integrated circuit die and having an opening therein exposing a portion of the integrated circuit die, and an electrically conductive member or frame being mounted to the body of encapsulating material adjacent the opening therein. The electrically conductive member may preferably be positioned so as to define at least a portion of a frame for the opening in the body of encapsulating material. The electrically conductive member may be adhesively secured to the integrated circuit die. Accordingly, the adhesive and electrically conductive member may serve as a seal to the interface between the body of encapsulating material and the die. The electrically conductive member may define a frame that surrounds a body of removable material during an intermediate stage in manufacturing. More particularly, the body of removable material and its frame may be positioned on the integrated circuit die while plastic is injection molded to encapsulate the asembly.

Several applications may require that the outermost surface of an integrated circuit die be exposed to the environment, such as to be accessible for direct contact with a person or part of a person. For example, certain medical applications position a bare integrated circuit into the blood stream, such as to measure blood chemistry. Fortunately, in such an application the circuit's operational life is limited, and the circuit is used only once before being discarded. Accordingly, long term reliability is not typically a significant issue.
In contrast, a fingerprint sensor based upon an integrated circuit array of sensing elements may require direct contact by the finger with the integrated circuit die. Fingerprint sensing and matching is a reliable and widely used technique for personal identification or verification. One common approach to fingerprint identification involves scanning a sample fingerprint or an image thereof and storing the image and/or unique characteristics of the fingerprint image. The characteristics of a sample fingerprint may be compared to information for reference fingerprints already in storage to determine proper identification of a person, such as for verification purposes.
A typical electronic fingerprint sensor is based upon illuminating the finger surface using visible light, infrared light, or ultrasonic radiation. The reflected energy is captured with some form of camera, for example, and the resulting image is framed, digitized and stored as a static digital image. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,210,899 to Swonger et al. discloses an optical scanning fingerprint reader cooperating with a central processing station for a secure access application, such as admitting a person to a location or providing access to a computer terminal. U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,859 to Bowles similarly discloses a video camera for capturing a fingerprint image and uses the minutiae of the fingerprints, that is, the branches and endings of the fingerprint ridges, to determine a match with a database of reference fingerprints.
Unfortunately, optical sensing may be affected by stained fingers or an optical sensor may be deceived by presentation of a photograph or printed image of a fingerprint rather than a true live fingerprint. In addition, optical schemes may require relatively large spacings between the finger contact surface and associated imaging components. Moreover, such sensors typically require precise alignment and complex scanning of optical beams. Accordingly, optical sensors may thus be bulky and be susceptible to shock, vibration and surface contamination. Accordingly, an optical fingerprint sensor may be unreliable in service in addition to being bulky and relatively expensive due to optics and moving parts.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,056 to Tsikos discloses another approach to sensing a live fingerprint. In particular, the patent discloses an array of extremely small capacitors located in a plane parallel to the sensing surface of the device. When a finger touches the sensing surface and deforms the surface, a voltage distribution in a series connection of the capacitors may change. The voltages on each of the capacitors is determined by multiplexor techniques. Unfortunately, the resilient materials required for the sensor may suffer from long term reliability problems. In addition, multiplexing techniques for driving and scanning each of the individual capacitors may be relatively slow and cumbersome. Moreover, noise and stray capacitances may adversely affect the plurality of relatively small and closely spaced capacitors.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,442 to Knapp discloses a fingerprint sensor including a plurality of sensing electrodes. Active addressing of the sensing electrodes is made possible by the provision of a switching device associated with each sensing electrode. A capacitor is effectively formed by each sensing electrode in combination with the respective overlying portion of the finger surface which, in turn, is at ground potential. The sensor may be fabricated using semiconductor wafer and integrated circuit technology. The dielectric material upon which the finger is placed may be provided by silicon nitride or a polyimide which may be provided as a continuous layer over an array of sensing electrodes. Further conductors may be provided on the surface of the dielectric material remote from the sensing electrodes and extending over regions between the sensing electrodes, for example, as lines or in grid form, which conductors are grounded in order to improve the electrical contact to the finger surface.
Unfortunately, driving the array of closely spaced sensing electrodes as disclosed in the Knapp et al. patent may be difficult since adjacent electrodes may affect one another. Another difficulty with such a sensor may be its ability to distinguish ridges and valleys of a fingerprint when the conductivity of the skin and any contaminants may vary widely from person-to-person and even over a single fingerprint. Yet another difficulty with such a sensor, as with many optical sensors, is that different portions of the fingerprint may require relatively complicated post image collection processing to provide for usable signal levels and contrast to thereby permit accurate determination of the ridges and valleys of the fingerprint.
Greater advances in fingerprint sensing and matching for identification and verification are desirable and may prevent unauthorized use of computer workstations, appliances, vehicles, and confidential data. Inexpensive and effective fingerprint identification may also be used at point-of-sale terminals, and ensure further security of credit and debit cards, firearms, and provide a personal electronic signature. Unfortunately, current sensors and their associated circuitry may be too bulky, expensive and unreliable for a great many applications which would otherwise benefit from fingerprint identification and verification technology.
Even though several integrated circuit approaches to fingerprint sensing have been described, there are significant difficulties in packaging such a sensor. As mentioned above, direct physical contact with an integrated circuit die is counter to conventional integrated circuit manufacturing and packaging concepts. Water vapor and other contaminants may enter any interface between the integrated circuit die and the surrounding package thereby potentially significantly reducing reliability. Moreover, even if a reliable package were to be designed, low cost mass production techniques would still be desirable for implementing the packaging design. Other sensors and integrated circuit devices may also desirably benefit from packaging advances which provide an integrated circuit device including a package which exposes the integrated circuit die, yet which provides environmental protection for other portions of the die, such as the bond pads and bond wires.

Integrated circuit device having an opening exposing the integrated circuit die and related methods


A storage apparatus includes: a plurality of controllers, each of which has a plurality of processors for processing requests; a storage device coupled to the controller; an integration unit that integrally controls the plurality of controllers; and a shared memory that can be accessed from each processor for the plurality of controllers and stores configuration information of the storage apparatus including load information of each processor. The integration unit: calculates estimated processing time of a configuration management request, which has been accepted from a management apparatus, from a request type and a target resource type of the configuration management request; and distributes the configuration management request to a plurality of distribution requests on the basis of the load information of each processor acquired from the shared memory and the estimated processing time, determines a distribution destination processor for processing each of the plurality of distribution requests.

Conventionally, a storage apparatus is designed so that a controller which performs I/O processing in response to an I/O request from a host is capable of executing configuration management processing, without requiring an administrative server, by creating volumes, deleting volumes, and so on in response to a configuration management request which has been input from an administrative terminal. Also, the controller has a plurality of processors and is designed to be capable of processing a plurality of requests at high speeds by having one processor execute distributed parallel processing for each request.
For example, PTL 1 discloses a storage system that plans processing for distributing a plurality of requests by setting some processor cores, among a plurality of processor cores which the controller has, for exclusive use for priority processing, thereby achieving the priority processing without causing any delay in the I/O processing.

Storage apparatus and configuration management request processing method for storage apparatus


An array update operation which specifies number of (row-identifier, value) pairs for updating rows in a table of a database is implemented as follows. A block-identifier of a block (on disk) that holds a row identified by a row-identifier in a specified pair is looked up using a database index, and the block-identifier thus found is stored in a structure. Use of a row-identifier to look up the corresponding block-identifier, and the storage of the block-identifier in the structure are repeatedly performed, for each of several specified pairs. Next, a vector read is performed, to read and store in a cache, each block identified by a block-identifier in the structure, and all the blocks that have been read are stored in the cache during a single function call. Thereafter, rows identified in specified pairs are modified, in blocks currently in the cache, using the values in the specified pairs.

In certain prior art, a multi-row update (also called "array update") of a table T in a relational database (such as Oracle) is specified by an array (A) of row-identifier(ID) and value(V) pairs. An example of such an update is to change in an Address table the area code from 703 to 571 in all rows wherein the zip is 22313. An SQL query for such an multi-row update, when presented to a database management system, is first parsed, followed by pre-execute processing (e.g. error checking to confirm table names and column names, code generation and optimization). Thereafter, the database management system enters a loop, for each ID and V pair in A to do the following:{Initialization( ); FindBlock(ID); FetchBlock( ); UpdateRow(V)}.In the above prior art loop, on each iteration, a single block B is individually identified as containing a value V to be updated by use of the identifier ID, by a function FindBlock. Function FindBlock typically uses a database index which may be, for example a B-Tree index or a hash index of the type well known in the art. Regardless of how the block is identified, the next step is to fetch the identified block B, which is performed by the function FetchBlock( ). Specifically, function FetchBlock looks up block B in memory (in an area called "buffer cache"), and if block B is not in memory, then a disk access is performed to bring block B into memory. Once the block B is in memory (in the buffer cache), then function FetchBlock returns block B. Thereafter, the value V is updated, in the function UpdateRow, and then the next iteration is performed.
During the next iteration, a next row that needs to be updated may or may not be contained in the same block B. If the next row to be updated is contained in a different block, such a different block is unlikely to be the very next block on the disk from which block B was read (unless all rows are being updated). Hence, prior art systems that automatically prefetch into the buffer cache, a block that is very next to block B that has been just read, are not effective in anticipating and servicing the needs of an array update operation.


A computing system that includes wearable computing components may be provided that creates an interactive game for at least two players. Finite state machines may be provided with a range of states that correspond to an array of possible states of a player of the game. Each player is assigned a client device, which preferably may be embedded in wearable computing components. The client device uses software to execute a first instance of a finite state machine. The client deceives are connected in a network with server devices. The state machines transition states based upon player interaction with other players and objects. When the state machines transition states, the players are notified and their respective states within the game also change. A programmable game server can be used to process rules of interactive game and to enable a user to specify rules for other or new interactive games.

A conflict currently exists for parents of children between the ages of 5 and 12. The principal conflict in question involves the gravitational tug of video games and the desire of parents for their children to experience the portion of the universe that exists outside their house, and to ever use muscles other than the ones needed to operate a video game controller.
Parents want their children to exercise and to play outside, and children want to play video games. In reality, children also want to play outside. Most debates of this nature begin with operatic battles of will (the child resisting the idea of outside play, the parent desperately trying to tear the child away from their console, or tablet, or phone), and they end with a similar operatic battle (the child begging to be allowed to remain on the playground with their friends, and the parent desperately trying to get the child home for a meal and rest).
What that suggests is that the escapism available on the screen is similarly available in the flesh.
One only has to perform a brief survey of the games that children play to understand this essential truth: freeze tag, museum, flashlight tag, four square, etc.
Each of these playground games involves the same components of power and credits available in video games. The trouble with video games is that those components are readily available at the flick of a switch, whereas playground games involve social negotiations and machinations unavailable to those of younger years.

Method and system for computer-aided stateful live-action game play


An electrical connector (100) for positioning a heat sink assembled on the electrical connector and for soldering to a substrate includes an insulating housing (1) with a plurality of electrical contacts (4) received therein and a position member assembled to the insulating housing (1), the position member includes an interlock member (2) and a soldering member (3) assembled together, the interlock member (2) includes an assembling portion (21) and an extending portion (22) extending upwardly from the assembling portion (21) for hooking with the heat sink, the soldering member (3) includes a body portion (31) and a pair of soldering portions (32) extending downwardly from the body portion (31) for soldering to the substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical connector, and more particularly to an electrical connector having an improved position member for soldering to a substrate and positioning a heat sink assembled on the electrical connector.
2. Description of Related Art
TW patent No. M285832 issued to Zhu on Jan. 11, 2006 discloses a conventional electrical connector for electrically connecting an IC package with a substrate. The electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of electrical contacts received in the insulating housing and a plurality of solder balls connected to the electrical contacts. The bottom of the insulating housing defines a post to position the insulating housing on the substrate. Due to there must assemble a heat sink on the electrical connector to dissipate heat, the conventional connector then must set another member to position the heat sink on the electrical connector.
Hence, it is desirable to provide an improved electrical connector to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages.


A novel projection apparatus comprised of a projector mountable on a frame for projection of a video image onto any appropriate screen, a high intensity projection light source remote from said projector such that heat from said light source is not transferred appreciably to the projector, and optical light transmission means connecting the high intensity light source with the projector. The projector may be movable, e.g., pivotable and/or translatable, in which case appropriate structure may be included to enable such movement of the projector while still providing ample light to the projector.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to LCD projection apparatus and, more particularly, relates to an apparatus for projecting an LCD-generated image where the light source is thermally separated from the LCD means, yet is optically connected thereto.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the field of projecting, particularly using the LCD format, it is desirable to maintain the LCD panel at a low temperature relative to the required projection light source to avoid degradation of the LCD panel due to exposure to the heat from the projection light source, which ultimately leads to the degradation of the projected image.
In addition, state of the art projection systems still use a high intensity light source in direct proximity to the image-generating apparatus, and attempt to cool said light source and image-generating apparatus utilizing an air flow drawn from the exterior of the device, which results in the introduction of undesired debris into the projection system.
Still further, when a moving projector is utilized, as in visual simulation applications, a light source used to illuminate the projection apparatus is caused to move commensurately, sometimes violently. This movement leads to premature rupture of the filament in the light source and consequent failure of the light source.
Still further, it is desirable in certain applications to limit the size of the projection apparatus per se, wherein placing the light source at a remote position with respect thereto would prove highly beneficial.
The inventor is not aware of any attempts to separate the LCD panel from the heat generated by the projection light source. An article entitled "Projection Selection" by Doug McElroy, Video Systems, January 1992, proposes to remove heat from the area between the lens and the CRT imaging apparatus. Others use a separate light source chamber where the light energy generated therein is conveyed exteriorally thereof by optical fibers, themselves arranged in artistic patterns or used to illuminate signs. The only known efforts in this latter regard are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,385 to Awai, U.S. Pat. No. 4,839,783 to Arai, U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,341 to Awai, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,660 to Robbins. The disclosure in each of the foregoing patents, however, relates expressly to ornamental-type fiber optic display devices (with the exception of the patent to Arai) and, therefore, do not provide a solution to the problem of heat degradation of LCD panels used for LCD projection. Arai teaches a spotlight having a pivotally separable housing and a cooling feature.


A method and apparatus remove photoresist from a wafer. A process gas containing sulfur (S), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H) is provided, and a plasma is generated from the process gas in a first chamber. A radical-rich ion-poor reaction medium is flown from the first chamber to a second chamber where the wafer is placed. The patterned photoresist layer on the wafer is removed using the reaction medium, and then the reaction medium flowing into the second chamber is stopped. Water vapor may be introduced in a salvation zone provided in a passage of the reaction medium flowing down from the plasma such that the water vapor solvates the reaction medium to form solvated clusters of species before the reaction medium reaches the wafer. The photoresist is removed using the solvated reaction medium.

The present invention relates to the formation of semiconductor devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to removal of photoresist.
During semiconductor wafer processing, features of the semiconductor device are defined in the wafer using well-known patterning and etching processes. Photoresist (PR) is used to protect some areas of the wafer from etch chemistries so as to define the features. Photoresist is also used as ion implantation masks for implanting a dopant into a silicon substrate. Conventionally, photoresist masks are removed by a "wet" process in back end of line (BEOL) processing, for example, after metallization, while a "dry" process is used in front end of line (FEOL) processing, for example, after ion implantation that characterizes devices. However, dry stripping may be used in the BEOL processing, and wet stripping may be used in the FEOL processing. Dry photoresist strip may be conducted either in a downstream environment or in a direct low bias-potential plasma. In FEOL processing, active areas (Si or SiGe), doped or undoped, are subjected to various levels of implants, followed by photoresist strip and post strip cleans.
Effects on active area from dry or wet processes can be detrimental from a material or dopant loss prospective. Material loss can occur as the active area is subjected to repetitive strip-and-cleans or etch processes. Material loss is generally defined as the conversion of active species such as silicon or dopants to their inactive compounds such as oxides. As material loss increases, various device characteristics, such as drive current, leakage, resistivity, and short channel effects, also change. Device sensitivity to material loss increases even further as device geometries decrease 45 nm and beyond, where junctions are shallower and more lightly doped by high-flux, low-energy ion implantation. Active area characteristics are a precision-engineered part of any device for optimum performance, and therefore, material loss due to FEOL processing—such as post ion implant strip (PIIS), may be detrimental to device performance. Furthermore, the ions implanted in the photoresist chemically modify the near-surface regions, causing decomposition, cross-linking, etc., of the photoresist. Such chemically modified regions form a hard crust, where the polymer may become graphitic in nature. Such a hard crust is typically formed in the upper resist region and at exposed sidewalls.
In order to avoid material loss due to ion bombardment in dry strip processes, improved wet processes with a hot sulfuric acid have also been used. However, typical wet photoresist strip chemistries, such as hot Piranha solutions (H2SO4:H2O2), do not work well when such crusts exist. In order to strip such crusts, aggressive plasma strip chemistries are being used, which typically include highly oxidizing radicals. To enhance the crust strip, the wafer may be heated, and fluorine (F)-containing species may be added to the plasma. However, use of such harsh chemicals (i.e., reduction or fluorination) and/or oxidation leads to Si material loss as well as dopants and Ge, which impacts device performance.

Method and apparatus for removing photoresist


An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for separating minerals from mineral feedstock—for example bitumen from tar sand. The apparatus includes residence chambers for contacting solvent and tar sand. The solvent-tar sand contact occurs in at least two stages. The drained miscella from the first stage is sent to a flashing module to separate the miscella into recovered solvent, a bitumen stream, and a volatile hydrocarbons stream. Solvent is recycled from the final stage and reused in the residence chambers. An energy recovery module recovers the energy from the volatile hydrocarbons stream. A solvent stripper removes the solvent residue from the drained tar sand to create a cleaned sand stream, and the solvent stripper recycles the solvent vapors to energize and assist the separation process. The apparatus enables a water-free, energy efficient, and nearly complete recovery of bitumen from tar sand.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to solvent-based separation of minerals from mineral feedstock, and more particularly relates to extracting bitumen from tar sands.
2. Description of the Related Art
Separation of bitumen from tar sands is known in the current art. The currently available technologies suffer from a number of drawbacks—low yield of bitumen recovery, environmental issues with waste water disposal, environmental issues with sand disposal, release of solvent vapors to the atmosphere, release of hydrocarbons to the atmosphere, sensitivity to clays, sensitivity to oil-wet tar sands, generation of emulsions during separation, high energy input, clogging of sand draining screens, and clogging of the valves that manage counter-current flow.
Most of the processes used in the current art are some variation of the Clark hot water process. One common variation of this process is to run mineral feedstock up a a partially vertical screw feeder. The mineral feedstock is run through a solvent layer, then a water layer.
The solvent-hydrocarbon miscella formed is denser than water and must be extracted below the water layer. The fluid levels and extraction rates must be carefully controlled, or water will be drawn into the miscella extraction apparatus. The fluid layers are not stable in such systems. Any hydrocarbons that are in a miscella without enough solvent portion will float to the top of the contact chamber. This means that some hydrocarbon will be floating to the top of the system regardless of the design, and that the extracted miscella must be solvent-rich rather than hydrocarbon-rich so that the miscella doesn't float. The separation of solvent-rich miscella is more energy intensive than the separation of hydrocarbon-rich miscella.
An additional water layer serves as a cap to contain the organic solvent in the solvent-sand mixing chamber of such systems. That exposes the sand-solvent mixture to water. Water exposure of the sand-solvent mixture can swell clays, flocculate the mineral feedstock, and create emulsions within the sand-solvent mixture. All of these effects complicate the separation process.
The process allows only a single solvent-feedstock contact, the solvent-hydrocarbon miscella composition must be kept within a narrow range of compositions, and the waste water from these systems cause environmental complications. Overall, this process provides an inflexible solvent contact method and produces low bitumen recovery from the mineral feedstock—typically on the order of 50%.
Another process in the current art is to run mineral feedstock up a partially vertical screw feeder and run solvent without water in counter flow with the sand. Solvent flow is usually controlled in these systems with reed valves that get plugged, and stuck partially open with sand and are therefore high maintenance. Another solvent flow control employs tortuous slots in the flights of the screw feeder which allow liquid but not solids to pass. This mechanism complicates control of the contact time of the solvent with the mineral feedstock, and the contact times between the solvent and the mineral feedstock tend to be short as the solvent gravity feeds through the system. In addition, the slots become clogged with fines from the mineral feedstock. The clogging causes poor solvent-feedstock contact, and is a complicated maintenance problem to both diagnose the occurrence of the clogging, and to shut the system down to fix the clogging.
Overall, this process is a high maintenance process which produces low bitumen yields because the solvent-feedstock contact times are difficult to control. The counter flow nature of these processes is better than the single pass contact of the typical Clark hot water implementation, but is still not as controllable. Much of the solvent-feedstock contact occurs at the end of the system where the miscella is hydrocarbon-rich. Consequently, this solvent-feedstock contact is low quality, and these systems must be large or they must be designed for a low hydrocarbon yield.
Another process in the current art is to run mineral feedstock along a continuous belt, while spraying solvent onto the sand at various points along the belt. The solvent picks up some fraction of the hydrocarbon material and drains through perforations in the belt. This process allows multiple contacts between fresh solvent and feedstock, but the contact occurs in a static feedstock environment, the contact time is minimal, and the contact time cannot be controlled because it relies on gravity. Because only limited amounts of hydrocarbon are stripped by the solvent, the process requires some combination of: significant amounts of fresh solvent, pumping significant amounts of recycled solvent, a large conveyor system, or a design for a low hydrocarbon yield. Further, the perforations in the belt tend to plug with fines from the mineral feedstock. The plugging of the perforations is a complicated maintenance problem to both diagnose the occurrence of the plugging, and to shut the system down to fix the plugging.
Finally, the current art depends upon passive containment to prevent escape of solvent vapors to the atmosphere. Typically, a water layer is kept on top of all otherwise exposed solvent layers. Where water is not used, solvent is exposed to the atmosphere through the sand feeder.
The state of the current art is perhaps best highlighted by the fiscal year 2005 United States Department of Energy solicitations for new technologies. Technical topic 12(d) is a request for Tar Sands and Oil Shale Development, wherein the Department requests a technology that leaves clean sands, leaves low organic content in the waste water, does not release excessive volatiles to the atmosphere, leaves minimal fines in the bitumen product, and that will not flocculate clays.
From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method that separates minerals from mineral feedstock. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would produce clean sand, generate no waste water, have low atmospheric emissions, be adaptable to the clay content and wetting of the mineral feedstock, minimize mechanical complications, and have low energy input requirements.

Apparatus, system, and method for separating minerals from mineral feedstock


The present invention provides a current sensor capable of detecting a current magnetic field generated by a current to be detected with high precision and stability while realizing a compact configuration. The current sensor has: first and second magnetoresistive elements each including a pinned layer having a magnetization direction pinned in a predetermined direction, a free layer whose magnetization direction changes according to applied magnetic fields, and an intermediate layer sandwiched between the pinned layer and the free layer; and first and second permanent magnets for applying bias magnetic fields to the first and second magnetoresistive elements. The bias magnetic field has a parallel component parallel to a magnetization direction under no magnetic field and an orthogonal component orthogonal to the parallel component. Consequently, uniaxial anisotropy of the free layer can be enhanced without using shape anisotropy. Therefore, the current magnetic field to be detected can be detected with high precision and stability irrespective of the shapes of the magnetoresistive elements, and the invention is favorable for miniaturization.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a magnetic sensor capable of sensing a change in magnetic field with high sensitivity and a current sensor capable of sensing a change in current flowing through a conductor with high sensitivity.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, to accurately detect weak control current flowing through a circuit in control equipment, a method of connecting resistors in series in the circuit and measuring a voltage drop in the resistors is used. In this case, however, a load different from that of a control system is applied and there is the possibility that an adverse influence is exerted on the control system. Consequently, a method of performing indirect measurement by detecting the gradient of a current magnetic field generated by the control current is used. As a concrete example, there is a method of winding a line to be measured around a toroidal core, supplying control current to the line to be measured, and detecting a magnetic flux generated in the center portion of the toroidal core by a hall element.
With respect to a current sensor realizing the method, however, problems such as difficulty of realizing miniaturization and insufficient linearity or high frequency responsiveness are pointed out. To address the problems, a current sensor has been proposed in which a giant magnetoresistive element (hereinbelow, GMR element) producing giant magnetoresistive effect is disposed in the current magnetic field generated by control current and the gradient of the current magnetic field is detected (refer to, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,377). In relation to the current sensor, a technique of performing flaw detection on the surface of a metal substrate or the like by using a magnetic sensor having a GMR element is also disclosed. Such a magnetic sensor or a current sensor using such a GMR element has relatively improved detection sensitivity and responsiveness and obtains detection characteristics which are stable even the temperature changes.


A wave pipeline includes a data path and a clock path. The data path includes a plurality of wave pipeline data stages and a synchronous data stage. The synchronous data stage includes a first data latch to latch the data from the synchronous data stage. The synchronous data stage is between a first wave pipeline data stage of the plurality of wave pipeline data stages and a second wave pipeline data stage of the plurality of wave pipeline data stages. The clock path corresponds to the plurality of wave pipeline data stages. The first data latch latches the data from the synchronous data stage in response to a clock signal on the clock path.

Memory devices are typically provided as internal, semiconductor, integrated circuit devices in computers or other electronic devices. There are many different types of memory including random-access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), and flash memory.
Flash memory devices have developed into a popular source of non-volatile memory for a wide range of electronic applications. Flash memory devices typically use a one-transistor memory cell that allows for high memory densities, high reliability, and low power consumption. Changes in threshold voltage of the memory cells, through programming (which is often referred to as writing) of charge storage structures (e.g., floating gates or charge traps) or other physical phenomena (e.g., phase change or polarization), determine the data value of each cell. Common uses for flash memory include personal computers, tablet computers, digital cameras, digital media players, cellular telephones, solid state drives and removable memory modules, and the uses are growing.
A wave pipeline may be used in a data path to send or receive data between different parts of an integrated circuit, such as a memory device. In a wave pipeline, the data signal and the clock signal move together (e.g., are aligned). In each stage of the wave pipeline, the data signal and the clock signal are delayed by the same amount. The time it takes for the data signal and the clock signal to reach the output of the wave pipeline determines the number of latch (e.g., FIFO) stages needed to latch the data at the output.
For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for alternative methods for sending or receiving data in a wave pipeline, and system and apparatus to perform such methods.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Wave pipeline including synchronous stage


A permanent magnet rotating electric machine uses no skewing under a predetermined current and voltage condition to prevent torque from decreasing and to decrease pulsation torque to make the machine less vibrating and less noisy. The permanent magnet rotating electric machine includes a stator with multi-phase stator windings and a rotor with a plurality of permanent magnets internally embedded in a rotor core. The core shape of the rotor is uniform in the depth (longitudinal) direction with no skewing in the arrangement of the permanent magnets. The permanent magnets are symmetrical with respect to the rotation direction, but irregular with respect to the depth direction, for each pole. A magnetic flux generated from the between-pole permanent magnets almost equals a magnetic flux generated from the pole-center permanent magnet.

The present invention relates to a permanent magnet rotating electric machine that has a rotor built with a plurality of permanent magnets embedded in a rotor core.
A conventional permanent magnet rotating electric machine is disclosed, for example, in JP-A-9-327140. In such a permanent magnet rotating electric machine, the rotor core is fixed on the shaft and the rotor is built by inserting a plurality of permanent magnets, each with a rectangular cross section, from the shaft direction into the storage section formed on the rotor core so that the rotor can rotate with a predetermined gap to the inner periphery of the stator core within the stator. The permanent magnets are magnetized such that the north pole and the south pole alternate.
A motor with rectangular magnets embedded in the rotor, such as the one described above, is efficient during high-speed rotation because field weakening is effective during high-speed rotation. For this reason, the motor is used, for example, as the permanent magnet motor on an electric car where high-speed rotation is required. To avoid vibrations and noises generated during driving, the magnets within the rotor are split in the longitudinal direction to produce semi-slot skews for attaining low-torque pulsation.
The motor torque of a magnet-embedded rotating electric machine such as the one described above is expressed by expression (1) given below.T=φIq+(Lq−Ld)Iq×Id  (1)where, T is the motor torque, φ is the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet, Lq is the q-axis inductance, Ld is the d-axis inductance, Iq is the q-axis winding current, and Id is the d-axis winding current.
In expression (1), the first term is the torque of the major magnetic flux of the permanent magnet, and the second term is a reluctance torque generated by the auxiliary magnetic pole of an iron core between two magnets. The magnetic torque has a period for each pole pair (electrical angle of 360 degrees), while the reluctance torque has a period for each pole (electrical angle of 180 degrees).
In this case, if the rotor is skewed as in the prior art example, the maximum torque is decreased because of a difference in the current phase for generating the maximum torque. If the magnet torque is the main torque, the torque decrease is small, for example, about 5% because the magnetic torque has a period of 360 degrees; however, if the reluctance torque is the main torque, the torque decrease is large, for example, about 10% because the reluctance torque has a period of 180 degrees. Thus, for a motor that uses the reluctance torque as the main toque, there has been a need for a shape that reduces torque pulsation with no skewing.

Permanent magnet rotating electric machine


A receptacle device for an electrical interface device, the electrical interface device being capable of transferring data to and from a host and being adapted to operate in one of a universal serial bus (USB)-compatible mode, a Mu mode and a non-USB-compatible mode, the receptacle comprising a chamber defined by a first inner surface and a second inner surface, the first inner surface being opposed to the second inner surface, a first row of contacts arranged at the first inner surface, the first row of contacts being configured to electrically couple to a first row of pads of the electrical interface device when the electrical interface device is inserted into the chamber in a direction, a second row of contacts arranged at the first inner surface, the second row of contacts being configured to electrically couple to a row of pads of a USB-compatible plug when the USB-compatible plug is inserted into the chamber in the direction, and at least one protrusion on the second inner surface, the at least one protrusion extending against the direction to exceed the first row of contacts.

A memory card is commonly known as a small portable package containing digital memory, such as an array of non-volatile memories like flash memories, EPROMs, or EEPROMs (electrically erasable and programmable read only memory). Memory cards have gained popularity as a device for storing a substantial amount of bytes of data from personal computers, notebook computers, personal electronic assistants, cellular telephones, cameras and other electronic devices that support removable data storage.
In general, a memory card includes electrical contacts provided from its surface to allow easy connection to and removal from a corresponding receptacle of a host electronic system or device, particularly portable devices. A number of standards for a memory card have been implemented, including the MultiMedia Card ("MMC") by the MultiMedia Card Association ("MMCA") of Cupertino, Calif., and the Secure Digital ("SD") card by the Secure Digital Card Association ("SDA"). An MMC card is a compact, removable memory card for storing and retrieving digital information in small, low power devices. MMC has been used in many mobile electronic applications, such as music players, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, voice recorders, and GPS navigation devices. An SD card is a flash memory card, which has been used in portable devices like digital cameras and handheld computers.
Another known standard for a removable memory card, although not limited to memory storage, is the Universal Serial Bus ("USB"). USB is a high-speed serial bus that supports devices such as printers, keyboards, scanners, pointing devices, and PDAs. USB has become a standard within the computer industry as this protocol affords networking of multiple devices with minimal connections and increased user friendliness. USB is currently defined by the Universal Serial Bus Specification, written and controlled by USB Implementers Forum, Inc., a non-profit corporation founded by a group of companies that developed the USB specification. The specification covers all aspects of USB operations, including electrical, mechanical, and communications characteristics and specifications. One significant feature of the USB is that it allows a peripheral device to store information about itself, and to provide such information upon request by the host. This obviates the need for the host, be it a computer, operating system, or application program, to maintain this information for many different devices. Instead, the device itself stores and provides the information.
In the evolution of memory cards, there is a need for memory cards that consume low power and provide higher accessing speed, while retaining backward compatibility with existing protocols such as the aforementioned MMC, SD, and USB specifications, as well as with other protocols such as Memory Stick and XD.

Receptacles for removable electrical interface devices

Industrial Technology Research Institute


A no-crimp electrical connector is essentially comprised of two molded plastic body members. A molded plastic body member has a connection chamber and a threaded wall bounds the connection chamber. A second molded body member has an externally threaded surface threadably engageable with the threaded wall in the first body member. One of the body members has a central conically shaped conductive element, and the other has a throughbore with the throughbore having one end shaped to accommodate two or more wires in side-by-side relation. A second end has complementary conical walls so that the wire ends of the two or more wires are clamped together between the conductive conical shaped element and the conical surface. Slots are provided in one or both body members and form spring fingers to allow pressing and/or relative rotation between the body members.

This invention is an improvement on the QUICK MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR disclosed in Swenson U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,369 and Swenson U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,875. In the above-referenced Swenson patents, one or more connection chambers has mounted therein a shaped conductive member projecting into the connection chamber and a threaded surface associated therewith. A coacting clamping member is associated with the connection chamber and each clamping member has a threaded portion which is threadably engageable with the threaded surface of the connection chamber and has a complementary tapered surface which is complementary to the tapered surface on the conductive member. Stranded conductive wires are passed through the hollow clamping member and splayed on the conical or taper-shaped surface of the metal conductor. The relative rotation between the housing member and the clamping member causes the threads to reduce the distance and clamp the bare ends of the splayed wire between the conical surfaces.
A molded plastic first body member has a connection chamber and a threaded wall bounding the connection chamber. A second molded plastic second body member has an externally threaded surface threadably engageable with the threaded wall in the first body member. One of the body members has a central conically shaped element having an axis coaxial with the body member in which it is formed. In a preferred embodiment, the conical member has an electrically conductive surface. The second body member has a throughbore with the throughbore having first and second ends. The first throughbore end is shaped to accommodate two or more wires in parallel, side-by-side relation. The second end of the throughbore has conical walls which are complementary to the conical shape of the conductive central conical element so that the wire ends of the two or more wires, preferably twisted together, are clamped together between the throughbore conical walls and the conductive conical surface when the threadably engaged surfaces are rotated relative to each other to move the central conductive conical shaped element and the conical surfaces towards each other, respectively.
Thus, an object of the invention is to provide an improved no-crimp electrical connector and method for connecting stranded electrical wires to each other. Lower gauge solid wires may also be connected using the invention.

No-crimp electrical connector side-by-side type and method


A blend of multimodal average molecular weight sulfur or ether linkage containing organic polymers provides sealants, potting compounds and moldable compositions with good physical properties. In the case of S-containing polythioether or polysulfide, these properties are well suited to the formulation of aerospace sealants even using standard lightweight filler technology. Sealants based upon this multimodal blend concept exhibit improved strength and toughness even when relatively large amounts of lightweight fillers are used. Multimodal polyurethanes and other ether linkage containing polymers also show enhanced physical properties.

The present invention relates generally to sealants and, in particular, to sealants containing multimodal polymer blends operative in a variety of environments including aerospace.
Aviation fuel resistant sealants are widely used by the aircraft industry for many purposes. Principal among these uses are the sealing of integral fuel tanks and cavities, the sealing of the passenger cabin to maintain pressurization at high altitude, and the aerodynamic smoothing of the aircraft""s outer surfaces. Today""s aircraft design criteria specify that sealants must be light in weight but still maintain the strength and toughness of older high-density sealants. Sealant manufacturers have responded by producing lower density polymers, e.g., the polythioether polymers described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,366,307 and 5,912,319, or by the incorporation of lightweight fillers as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,663,219. Unfortunately, utilizing either of these approaches to obtain lightweight sealants results in compromised properties.
Substituting polythioether polymers (typical specific gravity (s.g.) of about 1.16) for the heavier polysulfide polymers (typically s.g. of about 1.27) results only in a modest reduction in sealant weight. Incorporating lightweight organic or inorganic fillers into a sealant can lower the sealant""s specific gravity to near 1.0. Unfortunately, the addition of only a few percent of these fillers dramatically reduces the strength and toughness of the sealant, especially after immersion in aviation fuel.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,997 discloses the utility of bimodal polymer distributions in obtaining high impact strength and good gloss in polystyrene polymers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,905,131 discloses multimodal siloxane based formulations having improved strength without added fillers. There are also numerous references to the use of biomodal polymer blends to achieve enhanced emulsification properties in waterborne latexes. U.S. Pat. No. 5,670,601 discloses polyol dispersity in forming polyurethanes.
Unfilled systems suggested by Madkour and Mark in Polymer Bulletin 31, 615-621, 1994 and in Macromolecular Reports A31, 153-160, 1994 include what are referred to as bimodal systems, in which a mixture of functionally-terminated polydimethyl siloxanes were used and end-linked. Trimodal systems were also prepared and tested (using three specified different molecular weight siloxane polymers), but the authors found that although changing from a unimodal distribution to a bimodal distribution significantly improves mechanical properties, changing from a bimodal distribution to a trimodal distribution does not give a further improvement in properties and may actually be detrimental.
In aerospace sealant applications, it is important that polythioether materials are provided which have a good mechanical strength, but which do not have a high viscosity prior to curing. Lightweight systems have been provided which have a relatively low viscosity before curing, but they tend to use organic solvents to reduce the inherent viscosity of lightweight filler-containing compositions. Solvent evaporation during curing leads to materials that dimensionally shrink after application, a highly undesirable property in aerospace sealants. There is a need to provide lightweight compositions that achieve a low viscosity prior to curing to an elastomer form, without the use of organic solvents, yet retain good mechanical properties.
A composition includes a multimodal polymer blend containing sulfur or ether linkages therein. The multimodal polymer blend has a ratio of between 2 and 4.5 for a maximal polymer mode average molecular weight and a minimal polymer mode average molecular weight, where the minimum polymer mode average molecular weight is less than 1000 Daltons.
In another embodiment, a composition includes a multimodal sulfur containing polymer blend having an average molecular weight modal ratio between maximum and minimum modes of greater than 1.5.
A process for preparing multimodal polymer composition blends of sulfur or ether linkage containing polymers includes blending a plurality of such polymer constituents, each constituent having a modal distribution of average molecular weights and curing the plurality of polymers. The ratio of maximal average molecular weight mode to minimal average molecular weight mode of greater than 1.5. The product obtained from such a process affords superior physical properties. A commercial package is contemplated having a premixed blend of multimodal sulfur or ether linkage containing polymer constituents.

Sealants containing multimodal polymer blends


This invention relates to a hardware tool for interacting with an “intelligent device” such as a “smart phone,” e.g., Apple Corporation's “iPhone”, or other devices with certain comparable capabilities, such as the Apple “iPad” tablet computer, and to a method for authorizing transactions based on successful interaction. More specifically, the invention relates to employment of a hardware tool having contact members for contacting the touch-sensitive screens of such devices at plural locations in specific spatial relation to one another. The device, running an application program or “app”, then detects the locations at which the screen has been thus contacted, and compares those locations to stored locations specific to a particular type of transaction, and, if the detected locations match a set of stored locations, authorizes the transaction to proceed.

Numerous "intelligent devices" now available, such as "smartphones" such as the Apple iPhone, and tablet computer devices, such as the Apple iPod Touch, Apple iPad, and like devices incorporating touch sensitive screens capable of accepting touch inputs from a plurality of locations simultaneously, also have the ability to download and run software implementing application programs or "apps". According to the invention, these devices and apps running thereon can be employed together with novel hardware tools for identifying a person, location, business or the like (the "other party" herein) in order to authenticate that other party and thereby to authorize any of a wide variety of transactions.
This capability can be used to replace or supplant other means of authentication and to simplify the corresponding transactions.
General Configuration:
In a first embodiment, the hardware tool (referred to herein as the "Smart Stamp tool") is composed of a mass of conductive material with a certain number (typically up to five for cooperating with iPhones, up to eleven for iPads) of contact pads that are proud of a flat surface. These points are positioned on the surface in a specific configuration that is unique to each exemplar of the device.
General Functionality:
When the Smart Stamp tool is placed on the multi-touch-sensitive screen of an intelligent device such as a smartphone or tablet computer, the protruding contact pads make contact with the screen and their locations are detected by the device's capacitive sensors. An application program ("app") running on the device (or on a remote server) mathematically compares the detected locations of the Smart Stamp tool's contact pads to a reference file containing parametric data for versions of the Smart Stamp tool that are authorized with respect to the specific device.
More specifically, as presently implemented, software provided according to the invention includes an app residing locally on the user's smart device to observe the location of any five points of capacitive contact on the device's multi-touch-sensitive screen ("the observed points"). The software computes data that is parametric of the location and orientation of the five contact points. This parametric data is then submitted via internet communication protocols to a second software program residing on a remote server ("the server software"). The server software mathematically compares the parametric data calculated by the app to data similarly parametric of a set of known authorized point configurations for that app; that is, the server software determines whether the configuration of the detected contact points corresponds to a set of stored contact point locations. The server software returns data to the app indicating whether the observed points satisfied any and all criteria established in comparison with the known authorized points. In this configuration, the server software is capable of serving an authenticating role for a large number of unique apps, each of which would have their own set of one or more unique authorized point configurations.
It would also be possible to have both the steps of calculating the observed point parametric data and comparison thereof with authorized point configurations occur locally on the user's smart device in a single app, that is, without involvement of a separate server.
Example of Use:
The art is generally aware of so-called "loyalty cards". In a coffee shop example, a customer may be given a card upon a first purchase, and the card punched, using a tool for punching a uniquely-shaped hole, by the cashier when subsequent transactions are consummated. When, for example, the number of total transactions reaches a given number, as indicated by the number of punches having been removed from the card, the customer may be given the next comparable purchase free. The card, being issued and punched by the coffee shop, thus serves to record the number of transactions, the unique shape of the shop's punch authenticates that each punch in the card was executed by an authorized representative of the shop, and possession of the card by the user authenticates the individual user to the coffee shop.
In order to replace the loyalty card with the user's smart device, the smart phone or other intelligent device is used in lieu of the card to store information recording the number of prior transactions, comparable to the punches removed, while the Smart Stamp tool is used in lieu of the uniquely-shaped punch to authenticate each transaction in a reliable and secure manner.
More specifically, the Smart Stamp tool can be employed in cooperation with an intelligent device to authenticate "punches" in a coffee shop loyalty app. The coffee shop will keep a unique Smart Stamp at the point of sale. (A chain of coffee shops would have different Smart Stamps at each location, and the app would be capable of recognizing each and tracking their usage. The app could then transmit this information to the proprietor of the app, for transmission to the management of the chain or other interested parties.)
A customer will place an order in the normal way, and enter the products being purchased in the shop's customer loyalty smartphone app—that is, the purchase data will be stored by an app unique to that shop that is running on the user's smartphone. The app will prompt the customer to show their phone to the cashier, and the cashier will authenticate the purchase with the Smart Stamp. The app, possibly via interaction with a server-side program, will confirm that the Smart Stamp's physical characteristics as measured match the stored characteristics corresponding to that coffee shop, and if so, will then retain a count of the number of such authentications. When the specified number of purchases has been accumulated, the app would indicate this to the cashier, who would then provide the reward.
Note that the security features built into these devices are such as to make user "hacking" of a legitimate app impractical; that is, it would be difficult for the device user to "fool" the device into indicating that the specified number of purchases had been made in order to defraud the merchant. Accordingly, there should be no reluctance on the part of the merchant to allow the user's device to keep track of the total. Alternatively, the totals could and might preferably be tracked by remote servers via internet communication between the app and the servers.
Other uses for the authentication feature provided by the Smart Stamp tool will occur to those of skill in the art, such as apps that would allow deliverymen to identify authorized recipients of packages, identifying specific patients to pharmacists, redeeming coupons or other value-laden offers or vouchers at retail establishments, identifying passengers on trains, airplanes and the like, identifying ticket holders at events, and the like.
For example, the user's smart phone could be used to replace a ticket for a concert, and the Smart Stamp tool to replace the ticket taker. The user would buy his or her ticket through a smartphone app designed to interact with the Smart Stamp. The user could then simply contact the device screen at the entrance to the concert venue with a Smart Stamp tool. The successful authentication would then cause the app to generate an "OK" screen which could be shown to an entry guard, or a barcode or the like, which could be scanned by an automated door operator to allow passage.
In another embodiment, the device could be used as part of a digital coupon delivery and redemption system. In such a system, third party actors (such as a product manufacturer) would be able to commission coupon-based discounts on items for sale at a retailer. A shopper would use an app to browse, evaluate and select coupons for use. At checkout, to receive the discount(s) promised by their selected coupon(s), the shopper would simply display the smart device to a cashier, who would check to make sure the item(s) required by the selected coupon(s) were being purchased, would sell the products at the discounted price promised by the coupon(s), and would certify that the coupons had been redeemed by authenticating the coupon redemption via the app on the shopper's smart device using the Smart Stamp. This authentication, communicated to a remote business server using internet communication protocols, might then trigger a financial transaction whereby the third party compensated the retailer for the financial value of the discount(s) provided to the shopper.
It is also within the scope of the invention that the Smart Stamp tool could be provided to the user and used as a sort of identification card, so as to be shown to a reader comprising a touch screen device.

Tool and method for authenticating transactions


A self-service checkout apparatus for processing items selected by a customer for purchase includes a customer operated device, such as a scanner/scale, for identifying each item selected for purchase. The apparatus also includes a self-service terminal which includes a card or cash payment accepting device, a cash dispensing device for providing a customer with cash by way of change or cashback, and an electronic controller connected to the customer operated device and arranged to determine the price of each item identified by the customer operated device. The terminal displays the total amount payable on a screen. A customer exit is normally closed by a security gate which is arranged to be opened in response to the customer making payment for the total amount. The terminal can be used to provide ATM services independently of a checkout transaction.

This invention relates to a checkout apparatus for use in supermarkets or other retail establishments, such apparatus serving to process items selected by a customer for purchase and enabling the customer to check out and pay for such items.
In the supermarket industry, after the cost of the goods sold, labor is the fastest growing major expense. Reducing or eliminating the amount of time taken for a cashier to handle and scan the goods purchased by a customer can substantially reduce the labor required in a retail establishment and thereby alleviate a currently growing problem. Another problem experienced by supermarket management is the risk of repetitive motion disorders or injuries to cashiers brought about by the lifting and moving of hundreds of kilograms of goods every day. Thus, there are clearly potential advantages to be gained by using self-service procedures in the checking out process in retail establishments, particularly supermarkets.
From U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,343, there is known a self-service checkout system in which checkout counters are arranged in groups of two or more, with a single cashier station being provided for each group. Each counter is provided with a customer-operated laser scanner for enabling a customer to scan universal product code (UPC) labels carried by items selected by the customer for purchase. After scanning, the items are carried by a conveyor to a bagging area. When scanning is completed, a receipt unit at the counter delivers to the customer a printed recall number which is taken together with the subsequently bagged items to the cashier for payment and issuance of a final receipt. Although this system reduces labor costs to a significant extent, it is still necessary to provide a cashier for each group of typically five or six checkout counters. Also, the system has the disadvantage that there is a tendency for a queue to build up at each cashier station.
Another known system involves providing specially designed carts each carrying a portable data terminal. Each data terminal has RF capability for communicating with a remote data processing unit, and has an integrated laser scanner which allows a customer to scan items as they are removed from supermarket shelves prior to placing the items in the cart. In this way, a running total of the cost of the selected items is maintained, and customers can proceed to a cashier station when they have finished shopping merely to pay for their goods. This system has the disadvantage of having to provide a data terminal for each cart. Also, again this system requires that customers pay for their goods at a cashier station.


Power connector including a connector housing having a mating side configured to engage an electrical connector. The connector housing also has a mounting side configured to interface with a circuit board. The connector housing includes a housing cavity that opens to the mating side. The power connector also includes a power contact that is held within the housing cavity. The power contact includes a body panel that extends along a contact plane and has board terminals and a contact terminal that extend from the body panel. The board terminals extend away from the body panel in a mounting direction to engage the circuit board. The contact terminal extends in a different direction that is one of parallel to the circuit board or away from the circuit board. The power contact is configured to transmit electrical power through the board terminals and through the contact terminal.

The subject matter herein relates generally to power connectors, and more particularly, to power connectors configured to supply power to separate components in an electrical system.
In some cases, it is desirable to reduce or minimize an amount of space that an electrical system or an electronic device uses. For example, a known computer system may include several electrical components that are enclosed within a common housing. To reduce the amount of spaced used by the computer system, the various electrical components may be arranged and configured with respect to one another to minimize the necessary space while also satisfying predetermined requirements for the computer system.
It may also be desirable to increase the working capabilities of an existing electrical system, such as the computer system discussed above. For instance, during the lifetime of the computer system it may be necessary or desirable to replace an electrical component with a newer version of the electrical component. However, introducing updated electrical components into an existing electrical system may present challenges. For example, if the new electrical component requires additional power to operate, the original configuration of the computer system may not be able to satisfy the increased power demand. One option may be to insert an additional component into the computer system that is capable of providing the power. However, adding an electrical component to an existing computer system may be impractical since the computer system was particularly configured for the other electrical components. It may be necessary to reposition one or more of the other electrical components in order to provide space for the new electrical component.

Power connector having a contact configured to transmit electrical power to separate components


A modified transistor layout allows operation at high frequencies without adversely effecting transistor power gain. The base and collector circuits are modified in order to minimize ground bar resistance and feedback problems between the input and output circuits. This reduces the applied negative feedback and maximizes gain. The collector contact bar and the output capacitor are mounted directly on the collector island such that the output capacitor is wired directly to the grounded package metal and the collector is wired to the collector contact bar. This eliminates the need to wirebond to areas on the collector island that are covered with the eutectic run-out which results from mounting the transistor chip on the collector island.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to transistors, and more specifically to an improved radio frequency (RF)/Microwave bipolar junction transistor device layout.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The device layout of high frequency power transistor circuits can be critical to their performance. At RF and microwave frequencies, the parasitics internal and external to the device often become a problem. For example, bondwire inductance can introduce feedback between the input and output impedance matching circuits, which may be positive or negative depending on the amplifier configuration. This can be detrimental to gain and stability. As the operating frequency of the circuit increases, this problem is exacerbated.
Connection of the base lead to the transistor die has typically been accomplished by connecting bondwires from the base of the transistor to matching capacitor ground bars which form an integral part of both the input and the output matching circuit MOS capacitors. The ground bars are typically composed of a high conductivity material such as doped silicon, which results in a small but significant resistance from path to ground. The large current flowing in the output circuit generates a significant voltage drop across this resistance which is common to input and output circuits, which in turn contributes to negative feedback. This feedback voltage is subtracted from the input signal voltage at this point in the circuit; therefore, transistor power gain is limited.
In addition to the restraints placed upon the power gain by elements common to the input and output circuits, the layout of the collector circuit can adversely affect transistor performance. The collector connection is made to the backside of the transistor chip (the emitter and base connections are made to topside contacts). The transistor chip is mounted to an electrically isolated collector island that has a slightly larger dimension than the chip. The collector lead can then be connected to this "collector island" using a number of bondwires.
During the process of mounting the chip into its package, the island can become covered in silicon/gold eutectic to which a gold bondwire can not reliably bond. Aluminum wires, which often possess inferior bond pull strength when bonded to silicon/gold, must be used to bond the collector lead to the transistor die. As a practical matter, aluminum bondwires may also be undesirable if it is necessary to use a machine different from that used for gold bond wires since an extra wirebond step would be required during assembly.


An optical read/write information storage system (2), includes a liquid crystal information storage medium (1) for storing information written thereto and being capable of being read, including plural volumes (21) of liquid crystal material (23) in a containment medium (24), the volumes of liquid crystal material being operative to modulate or not to modulate light, e.g. by transmitting or scattering light as a representation of logic 1 and logic 0 information, the storage medium being responsive to a first energy input to assume and to store one detectable output condition and to a second energy input to assume and to store a second detectable output condition, input energy systems for writing and erasing information, and an optical reading device for detecting such output conditions of the storage means as a representation of information stored therein. Pleochroic dye (250) may be used to enhance thermal effects. Pointed electrode (101), controlled wire electrode (141) and electron "spraying" techniques apply charge to affect optical characteristics, e.g., writing and/or erasing, of the storage medium, and an optical writing technique (200) uses a large aperture number lens to focus thermal energy in a liquid crystal volume while minimizing affect on other volumes.

The advantages of magnetic media for storing information are well known. These advantages include the ability to write data or information to the magnetic storage medium, to read the data, to erase the data, and to write either the same or different data for storage. Rotating floppy discs exemplify one form of magnetic storage medium; such a disc may be rotated past the read/write head of a disc drive which writes or reads information on the disc. Fixed disc or hard disc magnetic storage media also are known; due to the greater precision and controls thereof and to other factors the fixed or hard disc systems usually are capable of storing more data than can be stored on a single or a small number of floppy discs.
As used herein the terms data and information may be interchanged as synonyms. Ordinarily, though, information may represent or may be represented by a logic one or a logic zero signal or condition, e.g. the on or off condition of a switch; and data is the assemblage of information. These rules and definitions, though, may not be strictly adhered to herein.
Various optical systems for storing data and permitting reading out of the data, e.g. using a laser and photodetector optics, also are known. One example is the laser disc system used for video signal storage and another is the so-called compact disc typically used for music. One drawback to such optical systems has been the inability to erase information stored in the optical storage medium and especially to erase and then again to write information to the storage medium for subsequent storage.

Encapsulated liquid crystal optical read/write storage medium and system