An electromagnet device is configured to generate a magnetic attractive force between a stationary core and a movable core when electricity is applied to a coil, so that the movable core is moved in a direction for coming into contact with the stationary core, and a movable shaft is moved in a direction in which a first end face of the movable shaft separates from a movable terminal. After the movable contact comes in contact with the fixed contact, the movable core moves further in a direction for coming into contact with the stationary core. A yoke made of a magnetic body is disposed between the movable terminal and the first end of the movable shaft.

Conventionally, a plunger type contact device B1 as shown in FIG. 15 is known (see for example Patent Document 1), which has a solenoid 102 configured to attract a plunger 102b due to magnetizing a stationary core 102a by applying electricity to a magnet coil 101. It has a pair of fixed contacts 103 that are connected to an external electric circuit. Furthermore, a movable contact 104 that is driven by the solenoid 102 so as to connect and disconnect the pair of fixed contacts 103 therethrough is disposed with a predetermined gap on the side opposite to the plunger relative to the pair of fixed contacts 103. The movable contact 104 is biased toward the fixed contacts by a pressing spring 105. Also, a space 107a which the fixed contacts 103 and the movable contact 104 are put in and a space 107b which the solenoid 102 is put in are separated by a diaphragm 106. Furthermore, at the center portion of the diaphragm 106, a bush 108 is inserted and fixed to the diaphragm 106. The bush 108 is disposed between the plunger 102b and the movable contact 104.
The bush 108 moves integrally with the movable contact 104 by a reactive force of a pressing spring 105, when the plunger 102b moves due to being attracted by the stationary core 102a, until the movable contact 104 moves to come in contact with the pair of fixed contacts 103. After the movable contact 104 comes in contact with the fixed contacts 103, the plunger 102b moves by itself separated from the bush 108 until it collides against the stationary core 102a.
Also, in order to switch bidirectional currents of different magnitudes between conduction and cut-off a plunger type contact device B2 as shown in FIG. 16 has been proposed (see for example Patent Document 2). The contact device B2 has a coil 201 that generates magnetic force by applying electricity, a pair of contact portions 202 that open and close in response to the magnetic force, and magnets 210 that are respectively disposed outside the pair of contact portions 202 adjacent thereto for extinguishing an arc by stretching the arc generated at the contact portions 202.
The pair of contact portions 202 have a pair of fixed holders 202a and a movable holder 202b. The fixed holders 202a are made of conductors that respectively hold the pair of fixed contacts 202c. The movable holder 202b is made of a conductor that advances and retreats with respect to the fixed holders 202a by a magnetic force generated by the coil 201, and a pair of movable contacts 202d are formed on the movable holder 202b so as to face the pair of fixed contacts 202c.
Also, in order to extinguish an arc generated between the contacts in a short time, the magnets 210 for extinguishing an arc are provided, and an arc generated between the contacts is stretched by the magnets 210 for extinguishing an arc.
A movable core 203 is attracted toward a stationary core 204 by a magnetic flux that is generated when electricity is applied to the coil 201, and a shaft 205 and an insulator 206 attached integrally to the movable core 203 move together with the movable core 203. The movable holder 202b moves toward the fixed holder 202a together with the movable core 203 by means of a holder biasing means 205, and thereby the pair of movable contacts 202d come in contact with the pair of fixed contacts 202c.
After the movable contacts 202d come in contact with the fixed contacts 202c, since the movable core 203 continues to be attracted toward the stationary core 204, the movable holder 202b and the movable core 203 are separated from each other at this time. Thereafter, the movable core 203 moves to the position where the lower end of the shaft 205 comes into contact with a bottom portion 207 provided inside the stationary core 204, and then comes to stop. At this time, the movable holder 202b is pressed toward the fixed holder 202a by the holder biasing means 205, the movable contact 202d is kept in contact with the fixed contact 202c, and a conduction state is formed between the contacts.

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.


A replaceable ink container of an ink supply device includes an opening plug for plugging an insertion opening into which a male connector is to be inserted. The opening plug includes an outer valve and an inner valve. The outer valve has an outer valve body pressed by the male connector and opened in a case where the male connector is inserted into the insertion opening. The outer valve body is closed by making contact with the male connector in a case where the male connector is pulled out from the insertion opening. The inner valve has an inner valve body indirectly pressed by the male connector and opened in the case where the male connector is inserted into the insertion opening. The inner valve body is closed by receiving at least a pressure of ink in the case where the male connector is pulled out from the insertion opening.

Conventionally, as an ink supply device for supplying ink to a recording head for discharging ink in an inkjet printer, one provided with a replaceable ink container that is a container for storing ink and being replaceable, and a needle to be inserted into the replaceable ink container to take out the ink from the replaceable ink container is known (Patent Document 1). This replaceable ink container is provided with an opening plug formed of an elastic member such as rubber for plugging an insertion opening to which the needle is to be inserted. With this opening plug being penetrated by the needle, the ink inside the replaceable ink container is taken out to the outside of the replaceable ink container through a passage provided in the needle.
In the meantime, in an inkjet printer with a relatively large consumption amount of ink, that is, in a wide-format inkjet printer with a relatively large printable image size, or in an inkjet printer with relatively fast printing speed, replaceable ink containers are being provided with larger capacities.
Here, in a conventional ink supply device that is provided with a replaceable ink container including an opening plug made of an elastic member and a needle to be inserted into the opening plug, if the needle for taking out the ink inside the replaceable ink container to the outside of the replaceable ink container is thin, a passage provided in the needle becomes narrow accordingly, so that there is a problem that it becomes difficult to supply the ink at a large flow rate from the replaceable ink container. On the other hand, in the conventional ink supply device provided with the replaceable ink container including the opening plug made of the elastic member and the needle to be inserted into the opening plug, if the needle is made larger for supplying the ink at a large flow rate from the replaceable ink container, when the needle is pulled out from the replaceable ink container due to reasons such as changing the ink type and the like in a state where ink still remains in the replaceable ink container, there is a problem that the ink inside the replaceable ink container may possibly leak out to the outside of the replaceable ink container through a hole opened in the opening plug by the needle.
Since there are problems as above, the conventional ink supply device provided with the replaceable ink container including the opening plug made of the elastic member and the needle to be inserted into the opening plug is not suited for making the replaceable ink container have a large capacity.
Conventionally, as an ink supply device provided with a replaceable ink container with a large capacity, one provide with a male connector to be inserted to the replaceable ink container for taking out the ink from the replaceable ink container is known. The replaceable ink container of this ink supply device is provided with an opening plug for plugging an insertion opening into which the male connector is to be inserted. The opening plug is provided with a valve in which a valve body is pushed by the male connector and opened when the male connector is inserted into the insertion opening, and in a case where the male connector is pulled out from the insertion opening, the valve body closes by making contact with the male connector.


A method and apparatus for punching a guide notch in a polymeric zipper having a male and female track with respective fins. The method includes sliding the zipper into position in a punch housing and punching a guide notch into the zipper. The guide notch is defined by a plurality of edges in the zipper, which are guided out of the punch housing.

A reclosable polymeric bag typically includes first and second opposing panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The first and second panels are not fixedly connected along a mouth, which is formed opposite to the sealed bottom. Rather, the bag is provided with a reclosable zipper extending along the mouth of the polymeric bag. The zipper includes a male track and a female track. In reclosable polymeric bags of the type utilizing a slider to open the zipper, the male track typically includes a male profile and the female track includes a female profile. The zipper also includes first and second fins extending downwardly from the male and female tracks, respectively. The first and second fins are thermally fused to the inner surfaces of the respective first and second panels.
The male and female tracks are typically free of any plastic material above the male and female profiles in order to permit proper mounting and movement of the slider. The male and female profiles are releasably engageable to each other. When the slider is in a closed position, the male and female profiles are interlocked with each other. In response to moving the slider to an open position, the male and female profiles are disengaged from each other. Once the male and female profiles are disengaged from each other, access to the interior of the bag may be obtained by pulling the first and second panels apart at the mouth.
Opposite ends of the zipper are typically provided with end terminations. The end terminations may perform numerous functions, such as (a) preventing or inhibiting the slider from going past the ends of the fastener, (b) interacting with the slider to give a tactile indication of being closed, (c) assisting in inhibiting or preventing leakage from the bag, and (d) holding the fastener together and providing additional strength in resisting stresses to the bag.
End terminations may be in the form of a strap/clip that wraps over the top of the zipper. One end of the strap is provided with a rivet-like member that penetrates through the zipper fins and into a cooperating opening at the other end of the strap.
In the process of manufacturing the zippers, a long polymeric strip is fed through a manufacturing line. At different points along the manufacturing line, the strip is fitted with end terminations, sliders, and guide notches. The guide notches are cut into the zipper at the points where the strip will be cut to form individual bags. The guide notch is created by a punch mechanism that punches a hole in the male and female tracks and their respective fins. The guide notch is generally a U-shaped hole that starts at the male and female tracks and extends down into the respective fins.
The punch mechanism includes a punch housing and a punch. The housing forms a punch area, an input slot, and an exit slot. During the manufacturing process, the strip slides into the input slot, through the punch area, and out of the exit slot. At predetermined times, the strip stops, and the punch extends into the punch area, cutting the strip to form the guide notch. The guide notch is cut through the male and female tracks and extends down into the respective fins. The guide notch is generally U-shaped and includes a first edge of the male and female tracks and extends downwardly into the fins, a second edge that is generally perpendicular to the first edge, and a third edge that is generally opposite the first edge. After the guide notch has been formed, the punch retracts to its original position and the strip slides through to the next position to be cut.
As the strip advances through the punch housing, however, the second edge of the male and female tracks may not be in perfect alignment with the exit slot and, therefore, may catch on the slot. This slows, or may even stop, the advancement of the strip through the machine and can greatly affect the processing time. Also, if the lack of advancement is not caught immediately, it may cause the punch to form guide notches in incorrect spots along the strip, ruining the strip.
Therefore, there is a need for a punch mechanism that is able to cleanly punch a guide notch into the strip and also provide a timely and precise exiting of the strip from the punch area.

Punch device for creating a guide notch in a polymeric fastener attached to a plastic package


A first film and a second film are formed on a semiconductor substrate in this order. A resist pattern is formed on the second film. An opening is formed by removing the second film exposed between the resist pattern at a state where the second film remains on the bottom. A first removal preventing film is formed on the side wall of the opening and the residual film is removed at a state where the projecting part of the second film protruding from the sidewall to the opening remains. The first film exposed in the opening is removed. A second removal preventing film is formed on the first removal preventing film and the surface of the semiconductor substrate exposed in the opening is removed at a state where the projecting part of the semiconductor substrate protruding from the side wall to the opening remains and a round part is formed at the projecting part of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate exposed in the opening is further removed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device and more particularly, to a method of forming a trench isolation for isolating elements.
2. Description of the Related Art
Based on miniaturization of the semiconductor device, a shallow trench isolation (referred to as the STI hereinafter) in which a shallow trench is formed to bury an insulation film for element isolation has been widely used as a method of electrically isolating elements of sub-quarter micron devices. A conventional manufacturing method of a semiconductor device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,974 where shallow trench isolation is implemented will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.
In FIGS. 21 and 22, the semiconductor device includes a chamber atmosphere 500, a silicon substrate 501, a silicon oxide film 502, a silicon nitride film 503, a resist pattern 504, the thickness of the silicon oxide film 505, a silicon shoulder round part 506, and a removal preventing film 507.
The STI is formed by trench etching the silicon substrate 501. At this time, an active region of the silicon substrate 501 is etched away under such a condition that a removal preventing film (C-group deposition) 507 is formed on the side wall of a hard mask (the silicon oxide film 502 and the silicon nitride film 503). According to this, the removal preventing film 507 is formed so as to round the active region shoulder part 506. Hereinafter, the portion of the active region shoulder part protruding from the hard mask along the lateral direction of the substrate is referred to as the projecting part, and the rounded portion of the projection part is referred to as the round part. The above etching condition is determined by selecting the kind of etching gas, a gas flow rate and the like. The round part of the active region shoulder part 506 formed as described above plays an important role in reducing an electric field concentration to a gate insulation film. The shape of the round part of the active region shoulder part 506 is controlled by the amount of the removal preventing film 507 formed.
FIG. 23 shows a sectional observation image by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at this time. FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing the SEM image in FIG. 23. In FIG. 24, a representative example of a pattern in which active regions are crowded, is described on the left side and a representative example of a pattern in which active regions are relatively isolated, is described on the right side. In below description, the part to which a term "crowding" is appended means the part in which the active regions are crowded and the part to which a term "isolated" is appended means the part in which the active regions are isolated. In FIG. 24, numeral 600 denotes a chamber atmosphere, numeral 601 denotes a silicon substrate, numeral 602 denotes a silicon oxide film, numeral 603 denotes a silicon nitride film, numeral 604 denotes a resist, numeral 605 denotes the thickness of the silicon oxide film, numeral 606 denotes a silicon shoulder round part (crowding), numeral 606′ denotes a silicon shoulder round part (isolated), numeral 607 denotes a removal preventing film, numeral 608 denotes a taper angle of the removal preventing film (crowding), numeral 609 denotes a projection part of the silicon substrate (crowding), numeral 610 denotes a taper angle of the removal preventing film (isolated), numeral 611 denotes a projection amount of the silicon substrate (isolated), and numeral 612 denotes a height of the removal preventing film, respectively. FIGS. 25A and 25B are enlarged views showing the round part, wherein FIG. 25A shows the part in which the distance between the active regions is close and FIG. 25B shows the part in which the distance between the active regions is large.
As can be clear from the drawings, the size of the projection part (referred to as the projecting size, hereinafter) and the size of the round part (referred to as the round size, hereinafter) vary depending on the density of the pattern and the like.

Manufacturing method of semiconductor device


A molded weather seal includes groups of fingers extending inwardly from walls that receive an associated vehicle flange therebetween. Fingers and walls are preferably formed of a first shot of molded material that is generally rigid, while a seal lip and/or other selected portions may be formed from a second, more flexible material.

Weatherseals or weatherstrips provided around a perimeter of a door opening are common in the industry. For example, one or more weatherstrips are provided about the inner perimeter of the door opening, for example along the A-pillar, header portion, B-pillar, etc. One such known structure is an extruded seal that includes a metal core. The metal core has a generally U-shaped profile and is embedded within an extruded elastomeric material. Generally parallel legs of the U-shaped profile include gripping portions that extend along the entire longitudinal extent of the profile into the cavity between the legs and provide for the gripping engagement because the gripping portions are extruded.
One leg of the weatherseal profile is disposed adjacent an external surface of the weatherseal when the weatherseal is positioned on the vehicle. As the elastomeric material cures over the surface of the metal core, unfortunately the external surface of the elastomer often assumes or shows the configuration of the core metal. This can result in an unsightly or non-pleasing appearance to the weatherseal, sometimes referred to as "hungry-horse" since the lanced metal core shows through the elastomeric extrudate like a series of ribs protruding from a horse. Using a core such as the lanced metal core is desirable since the core provides additional strength for manipulating and mounting the weatherseal to the vehicle. On the other hand, the core oftentimes limits the design since the core is typically an extruded profile. Formation by extruding limits the design to cross-sectional configurations that can be extruded, i.e., symmetrical along a longitudinal axis, and if additional non-symmetrical features, designs, or profiles are desired, or features that extend generally perpendicular to the axis of extrusion, post-extrusion steps are required to modify the extruded cross-section. For example, it may be desirable to close out one end of the extruded weatherseal in order to merge the weatherseal with the vehicle body and limit any unsightly gaps. Likewise, it is commonplace to provide post-extrusion secondary operations to the weatherseal that cannot be achieved during the extrusion process, including molded details.
It is common that the core is metal while the extrudate is an elastomer such as rubber or thermoplastic. The metal core adds weight to the overall structure. In addition, the different materials of construction incorporated into the weatherseal are not desirable from a recycling standpoint since the materials must be segregated. Thus, either the costs to recycle the material become too expensive or, as is more often the case, the component is simply not recycled due to such expense.
In addition, mounting the extruded weatherseal to the vehicle flange has its attendant problems. Specifically a tool, such as a mallet, is typically used by the installer on the vehicle assembly line to forcibly secure the weatherseal on the vehicle flange, but without any precision. That is, the operator must rely on his or her own expertise to determine whether the weather seal is properly installed. The U-shaped profile of the gripping legs of the weather seal are advanced over the S-flange of the vehicle body. Other than visual perception, there is no assurance or feed-back to the installer that the weather seal has been properly secured to the flange. Unfortunately, from a quality control standpoint, this is not desirable since there is no assurance that installation from one vehicle to the next is the same.
Thus, a need exists for a lighter weight weatherseal that is more conducive to recycling, less expensive to manufacture, has greater capability of design variation, and provides a confirmation to the installer of proper installation.


The present invention provides an imprint apparatus which performs an imprint process in which a resin on a substrate is cured, in a contact state in which a mold is kept in contact with the resin, to transfer a pattern onto the substrate, the apparatus including a stage configured to move upon holding the substrate, a detection unit configured to detect a first mark formed on the mold, and a second mark formed on the substrate, and a processing unit configured to perform alignment of the mold and the substrate in the contact state.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an imprint apparatus, an imprint method, and a method of manufacturing an article.
2. Description of the Related Art
The imprint technique can transfer a nanoscale fine pattern, and is known as a nanolithography technique for volume production of semiconductor devices and magnetic storage media. An imprint apparatus which employs the imprint technique cures a resin (imprint material) on a substrate while a mold (original) having a pattern formed on it is pressed against the resin to transfer the pattern onto the substrate, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4185941.
In the photo-curing method as one method of curing the resin on the substrate, an ultraviolet-curing resin is irradiated with ultraviolet light while a transparent mold is kept in contact with the resin to cure the resin, and the mold is separated (released) from the cured resin. The photo-curing method is suitable for manufacturing a semiconductor device and a magnetic storage medium because, for example, the temperature can be controlled relatively easily, and an alignment mark formed on the substrate can be detected through the transparent mold.
Also, an imprint apparatus generally adopts the die-by-die alignment scheme as a scheme of alignment between a substrate and a mold. In the die-by-die alignment scheme, for each of a plurality of shot regions on the substrate, an alignment mark formed in the shot region on the substrate is optically detected to correct a shift in positional relationship between the mold and the substrate.
However, in an imprint apparatus, a mold is kept in contact with a substrate through a resin. Therefore, in, for example, pressing the mold against the resin on the substrate, a force acts not only in the direction (perpendicular direction) in which the mold is pressed, but also in the horizontal direction (the direction in which the position of the mold is shifted) perpendicular to the pressing direction. Also, disturbance vibration acts on the mold and the substrate from a structure which holds the mold, and that which holds the substrate, respectively. As a result, the mold is pressed while the positional relationship between the mold and the substrate has changed, that is, pressed at a position shifted from a predetermined position. In other words, even when the mold and substrate are aligned with high accuracy before the mold is pressed against the resin on the substrate, the mold and substrate do not always have a predetermined positional relationship while the mold is pressed. Also, after the mold is pressed against the resin on the substrate, a resin (thin film resin) with tribological properties, that is, a so-called frictional force acts between the mold and the substrate, and this makes it difficult to finely adjust the relative position between the mold and the substrate.
In an imprint apparatus, to improve the pattern transfer accuracy (resolution) while suppressing in-plane variations between shot regions, it is necessary to minimize the film thickness of the resin on the substrate. Also, to shorten the time to fill the mold with the resin, and reduce the force (release force) required to release the mold, a cavity (air chamber) is formed at the central portion of the back surface of the mold (its surface opposite to the pattern surface) to be thinner than the peripheral portion of this surface. Moreover, a soft member is provided on a mold holding unit (holding surface), which holds the mold, along the tilt of the substrate. In this manner, a mold and mold holding unit used in an imprint apparatus are prone to deformation in reaction to an external force. Therefore, the mold and mold holding unit deform due, for example, to the frictional force of the resin on the substrate, and this makes it difficult to align the mold and the substrate with high accuracy (especially, align them in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the pressing direction).

Imprint apparatus, imprint method, and method of manufacturing article


In one embodiment, a system includes a power management controller that controls a duty cycle of a processor to manage power. By frequently powering up and powering down the processor during a period of time, the power consumption of the processor may be controlled while providing the perception that the processor is continuously available. Additionally, in some cases, it may be a better power/performance tradeoff to run the processor at a higher power/performance state if the processor is executing for a significant portion of the execution interval (e.g. the frame time for a GPU). Executing at a higher power/performance state may permit a realization of a greater number of frames per second for a given workload, in an embodiment.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related to power management in integrated circuits and systems employing integrated circuits.
2. Description of the Related Art
As the number of transistors included on an integrated circuit "chip" continues to increase, power management in the integrated circuits continues to increase in importance. Power management can be critical to integrated circuits that are included in mobile devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, smart phones, laptop computers, net top computers, etc. These mobile devices often rely on battery power, and reducing power consumption in the integrated circuits can increase the life of the battery. Additionally, reducing power consumption can reduce the heat generated by the integrated circuit, which can reduce cooling requirements in the device that includes the integrated circuit (whether or not it is relying on battery power).
Clock gating is often used to reduce dynamic power consumption in an integrated circuit, disabling the clock to idle circuitry and thus preventing switching in the idle circuitry. Additionally, some integrated circuits have implemented power gating to reduce static power consumption (e.g. consumption due to leakage currents). With power gating, the power to ground path of the idle circuitry is interrupted, reducing the leakage current to near zero.
Power gating can be an effective power conservation mechanism. On the other hand, power gating reduces performance because the power gated circuitry cannot be used until power is restored and the circuitry is initialized for use. The tradeoff between performance (especially perceived performance from the user perspective) and power conservation is complex and difficult to manage.


A method is provided for producing a pipe from a band which has a layer of a first metal and a layer of a second metal, the layers being metallurgically bonded to one another over the entire length of the band. Along the two longitudinal edges of the band, the first metal is removed from the second metal in strips which run over the entire length of the band. The band is formed into the open-seam pipe with the first metal located on the outside, and the abutting edges of the layer of the second metal are welded to one another forming a pipe which is closed all the way round. In the region of the weld seam, a layer of the first metal is then deposited on the second metal to produce a pipe with a layer of the first metal which is closed all the way round.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method which is intended for producing a pipe from a band which consists of a layer of a first metal and of a layer of a second metal, the layers being metallurgically bonded to one another over the entire length of the band, and by means of which the band, running in longitudinally, is formed into an open-seam pipe such that its longitudinal edges butt against one another along a longitudinally extending slit, and by means of which the slit is welded in order to form a pipe which is closed all the way round.
The term 'metal' will be understood hereinbelow likewise to mean the term "alloy".
2. Description of Related Art
Metallic pipes made of two layers of different metals have various applications, in particular in the cable industry and for transporting gases and liquids. In the case of such composite pipes, the desired properties of the metals used can advantageously be utilized equally. For example it is possible for a pipe to be plated on the outside for corrosion-prevention reasons or to provide better heat conduction. Electrically conductive cables may consist of the inexpensive basic material aluminum with a layer of copper, which is a good electric conductor, plated thereon. Such CCA (copper-clad aluminum) pipes are particularly effective, by virtue of the skin effect, as high-frequency conductors.
Known methods of producing such metallic pipes are based on electroplating or mechanical bonding techniques.
A metallic layer can be electroplated on a metal pipe, as is done, for example, in the production of galvanized steel pipes. This gives rise to an unbreakable bond between the two metal layers. Electroplating is an energy-intensive process and is associated with relatively low production speeds.
The mechanical methods include, for example, plating. A flat metallic band has a thin flat band made of some other metal rolled onto it. A metal strip plated in this way can then be formed into a pipe and welded. One disadvantage of this method is that there is no self-contained, uniform outer layer present in the weld-seam region of the pipe, since the two metals mix during welding. As a result, it is not possible for the material properties of the pipe to be set in a controlled manner in the weld-seam region and these material properties can differ considerably from those of the rest of the pipe. Moreover, mixing may result in embrittlement of the weld seam.
EP 1 469 486 B1 describes a copper-coated aluminum strip which can be used for example for producing coaxial cables. The copper-plated band is produced, for a desired application, such that the aluminum strip is somewhat wider than the copper strip. During the operation of welding the band which is formed into a pipe, it is only the aluminum which is welded. However, this results in the copper layer having a gap along the aluminum weld seam. The conductive properties of the finished cable are therefore impaired particularly in the high-frequency range. Furthermore, the aluminum is exposed to corrosion in the weld-seam region.

Method of producing metallic composite pipes


A bio-battery includes a biomolecular energy source, a first electrode and a second electrode. In some configurations, a bio-battery may also include a first cell containing the first electrode and the biomolecular energy source, and a second cell having a reducible substrate and the second electrode. The first cell can be in ionic communication with the second cell, for example by a proton exchange membrane. Various biomolecular energy sources can be used, including proton donor molecules or electrolytically oxidizable molecules. For example, the biomolecular energy source can be selected from the group consisting of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH), Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) and 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (FADH).

There exists a continuing need for a portable source of energy. Bio-fuel cells convert hydrogen-rich fuel, such as hydrogen or methanol, into electric current. In a bio-fuel cell, electrochemical reactions may take place inside a chamber containing two electrodes that are separated into a first cell and a second cell by a membrane that allows for selective transport of ions. Hydrogen molecules are oxidized in the first cell at a relatively negatively charged conductive anode to generate protons and electrons that may be conducted through the anode. Catalysts may be used to facilitate reduction oxidation of the hydrogen. The electrons can travel through an electrical circuit when an electrical potential exists between the anode and cathode. The protons in the first cell can diffuse through the membrane to the second cell, which contains a relatively positively charged cathode electrode. Subsequently, oxygen molecules are reduced at the cathode electrode where oxygen may be combined with electrons and protons to form water.
Hydrogen-consuming fuel cells may be extremely efficient, but pure hydrogen may require storage in pressurized tanks and other precautions. One common type of micro fuel cell is based on methanol. Methanol is a liquid fuel with a high energy density and is plentiful and inexpensive. However, methanol fuel cells do not always work at high efficiency. Methanol may also block the reactions that form water.
Fuel cells may use enzymes to carry out the reactions. For example, one or more enzymes may be localized in the region of separate electrodes to ensure that the proper reactions occur at the desired location. For example, the enzyme glucose oxidase may be maintained in the region of an anode in the presence of glucose to oxidize glucose thereby converting the glucose sugar molecule to gluconolactone and a pair of hydrogen ions. Hydrogen ions then migrate through a semi-permeable membrane to the cathode. Similarly, an enzyme called laccase may be maintained in the region of the cathode. In the presence of oxygen, laccase can combine the protons with oxygen and electrons to produce water. However, the activity of laccase is pH dependent. Since laccase enzymes typically work best in environments much more acidic than the pH 7.0, laccase-based fuel cells do not produce a high yield of power.
Moreover, many existing chemical and metal batteries present numerous challenges to manufacture as well as challenges to develop disposal practices that are not environmentally detrimental. Thus, there is a need for bio-batteries that are re-usable, disposable, and environmentally safe. There is also a need for bio-batteries that weigh less and have an increased power output and battery life.


A digitizer and a related charge pump are provided. The charge pump includes an input coupled to the output of the comparator and receiving the output of the comparator as a control signal of charging and discharging, three current sources, and three switches, each of which having an end coupled to one of the current sources and another end selectively coupled to one of the differential outputs of the charge pump according to the output signal of the comparator. The charging and discharging currents of the charge pump are essentially identical. Hence there is no need to adopt calibration circuit for calibrating the PN current mismatch.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digitizer, and more particularly to a digitizer with a charge pump circuit that has no PN current mismatch.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In read channels of many optical storage systems, such as CD and DVD systems, a data slice circuit for slicing analog signals into digital ones is needed for following process. The data slice circuit, which is called as the digitizer or the data detector briefly, needs to slice analog data accurately at a correct slice level. Otherwise, the error rate of digital data increases, and the performance of the read channel reduces.
According to the specification of these systems, the digital sum value (DSV) of digital signals in the read channels should be minimized to 0. And it is referred to the symmetry of signals. Hence the correct slice level of the digitizer is the slice level at which the digitizer may slice analog data accurately and keep the symmetry of digital signals. However, the dc level of the input analog signals drifts easily and components in the circuit may provide offset in various level. To avoid errors due to the inaccurate slicing, various methods for adjusting the slice level in the read channels are adopted in the prior art.
Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional digitizer 100. The conventional digitizer 100 includes a comparator 110, an inverter 120, a charge pump 130, a pump capacitor 140, and a low pass filter 150. The comparator 110 receives differential analog signals at inputs INP and INN. The output signals of the comparator 110 are sent to other components for following process. Besides, the output signals of the comparator 110 and the inverse output signals of the inverter 120 are sent to the charge pump 130 as the Up and Dn signals respectively. The inverter 120 simply inverses the output signals Up of the comparator 110 to generate the inverse output signals Dn. When the output signal of the comparator 110 is high, the charge pump 130 charges the pump capacitor 140; and when the output signal of the comparator 110 is low, the charge pump 130 discharges the capacitor 140. The output of the charge pump 130 is further coupled to the low pass filter (LPF) 150, so that the voltage at the capacitor 140 is filtered before being fed back to the comparator 110. Furthermore, the comparator 110 receives a reference voltage, Vref, and the filtered output of the LPF 150 to adjust the slice level.
In the conventional digitizer 100, the charge pump 130 of a common structure is adapted to fulfill the feedback loop of slice level calibration. Please refer to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic of the charge pump 130 and the pump capacitor 140. As shown in FIG. 2, the charge pump 130 includes a charge current source 131 and a discharge current source 132, of which the current values are Iup1 and Idn1 respectively. The charge current source 131 and the discharge current source 132 are coupled to switches 133 and 134 respectively. The switch 133 is selectively coupled to a loading capacitor 135 or the pump capacitor 140 according to the Up signal received from the comparator 110 (not shown in FIG. 2). Similarly, the switch 134 is selectively coupled to a loading capacitor 135 or the pump capacitor 140 according to the Dn signal, which is the inverse of the Up signal generated by the inverter 120 (not shown in FIG. 2). Since the Up signal and the Dn signal are inverse to each other, the loading capacitor 135 is coupled to either the current sources 131 or 132 at a time, meanwhile the pump capacitor 140 is coupled to the other current sources 132 or 131. In this manner, the charge pump 130 and the pump capacitor 140 together fulfill the loop of reflection of the sum of data level.
However, the charge current source 131 and the charge current source 132 are not physically identical, and the switching speeds of the switches 133 and 134 are different. For example, the two current sources may be composed of PMOS and NMOS independently and hence have different characteristics called PN current mismatches. The switches 133 and 134 are not identical either. Therefore, in consideration of the comparator 110 to output signals at high level and low level equally, the charge current and the discharge current of the pump capacitor 140 may not be equal. Consequently, the voltage fed back to the comparator 110 is not as stable as expected.
There are ways to calibrate the mismatch between the charge current source and the discharge current source of the charge pump adopted in the digitizer. Please refer to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a calibration circuit 300 of the prior art. The calibration circuit 300 includes two current sources 331 and 332, which are duplicates of the charge current circuit and the discharge current circuit adapted in the charge pump respectively. A resister 340 is coupled to the joint of the two current sources 331 and 332. Hence the current biasing the resistor 340 is:Im1=Iup1−Idn1;  eq. (1)and the voltage at the resistor R is:Vm=Im1·R  eq. (2)
The resistor 340 is further coupled to an analog to digital converter (ADC) 350. The ADC 350 receives the voltage Vm and outputs a corresponding digital signal to a micro-processor 360. The micro-processor 360 generates a control signal Sc in accordance with the input signals from the ADC 350 to adjust the current value of the current source 331 for reducing the current mismatch Im1. The charge current source of the charge pump then can be adjusted according to the control signal Sc as well or according to the adjusted current source 331 of the calibration circuit 300. In this manner, the mismatch between the charge current source and the discharge current source can be decreased.
Described above is the conventional calibration mechanism adopted in charge pumps of digitizers. However, there is a serious drawback in this conventional calibration method. The charge current source 131 and the discharge current source 132 do not function simultaneously in the charge pump circuit 130, and the two current sources 331 and 332 are turned on at the same time while calibrating the mismatch in the calibration circuit 300. That means, the current values of the two current sources 331 and 332 can never be identical to the charge current source 131 and the discharge current source 132. Hence the calibration circuit 300 of the prior art is not able to cancel the current mismatch between current sources of the charge pump exactly.

Digitizer and related charge pump circuit


Disclosed is a novel linear urethane-amide-imide copolymer composition obtained from first reacting X mols of diol compound, which had been dissolved in an inert organic solvent, with Y mols of diisocyanate compound at room temperature to produce an intermediate reaction product, followed by reacting the intermediate reaction product with Z mols of trimellitic anhydride at elevated temperatures, wherein Y is greater than X (i.e., the amount of diisocyante groups is in excess) and approximately equals the sum of X plus Z. The polyurethane copolymer composition obtained from this process contains urethane, amide and imide groups on the polymer backbone, exhibits excellent mechanical and electric properties and heat resistance, and does not suffer from the phase separation problems observed from polyurethane-polyamideimide blends.

This invention relates to a novel poly(urethane amideimide), or urethane-amide-imide copolymer, composition, which has excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance. More particularly, this invention relates to a heat-resistant linear copolymer composition containing urethane, amide and imide groups in the polymer backbone thereof for use as a wire coating varnish and film material, and the method of making the same.
Polymeric materials have been widely used in the field of electric insulation. Those polymers that have been commonly used in these applications include polyimide, polyamideimide, polyesterimide, polyester, polyurethane, and others. The aforementioned polymers are also useful as adhesives, film insulation material, water sealants, and as packing material for integrated circuits. Polyurethanes are known to have good mechanical properties (i.e., high tensile strength), electric insulating characteristics (i.e., ability to withstand electric overload) and fabricability. Furthermore, because of its relatively low manufacturing cost, the potential market of polyurethane can be quite significant. However, polyurethanes suffer from their lack of heat resistance, therefore, their long-term application is limited to relatively low temperature environment. Many studies have been attempted to improve the heat resistance of polyurethanes.
In the attempts to improve the heat resistance of polyurethane, the following approaches are most commonly employed: (1) using a blending approach to blend heat-resistant material, such as polyimide, polyesterimide, and/or polyamideimide, into the polyurethane matrix to improve the heat resistance thereof; (2) using a blocking agent approach to protect the diisocyanate group in the prepolymer of polyurethane before reacting with polyfunctional alcohols to form a polyurethane copolymer with improved heat resistance. In the first approach, long-term compatibility is a problem; phase separation often occurs in the polyurethane blends resulting in serious degradation of the physical properties thereof. The second approach involves a complicated manufacturing process, and the final product, when hardens, often contains gas bubbles formed therein which adversely affect the product quality and limit its potential applicability.

Heat resistant poly(urethane amideimide) composition and method for preparing the same

Industrial Technology Research Institute


A method for locking and unlocking a computer address is described. A separate instruction for locking is read. A first value is assigned to a flag to indicate that locking has been requested. An instruction that uses the address is executed. The address is locked such that the address can be accessed by the processor and not by any other processor. A separate instruction for unlocking is read. A second value is assigned to a flag to indicate that unlocking has been requested. A load instruction or a store instruction is executed. The address is unlocked such that the address can be accessed by the processor and by at least one other processor.

One prior computer architecture technique for increasing computer performance uses multitasking. Multitasking is the ability to execute more than one application program or task at a time. Another prior computer architecture technique for increasing computer performance is the use of multiple microprocessors. Multitasking can be used in either a single processor system or a multiprocessor system.
One problem of multitasking systems is the allocation of system resources between tasks. For example, if two processes are requesting a disk, tape, or file, the system should guarantee that both do not attempt to use it at the same time. In other words, mutual exclusion between system resources should be guaranteed. One prior solution to this problem is the use of semaphores. Semaphores are special flags that are accessed and changed in an indivisible operation.
In certain prior systems, a register or a memory byte is used as a semaphore flag. If the semaphore flag is set, this indicates that the resource is busy or in use. If the semaphore flag is clear, this indicates that the resource is available. A processor reads the semaphore flag to determine if the resource is free. If the flag is clear, the processor begins using the resource and sets the semaphore flag. The processor clears the semaphore flag after the processor is done using the resource.
The read/modify/write cycle for the semaphore flag is made indivisible. The read/modify/write cycle is also referred to as a test and set operation. If the read/modify/write cycle of the flag were not indivisible, then two processors could read the same flag, and each could determine that the semaphore flag was free and conclude that the system resource was free. This, of course, would be incorrect. Thus, when the semaphore flag is read, no other process or processor in the system can be allowed to access memory until the read/modify/write cycle is complete. The 80386 microprocessor sold by Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. is an example of a prior processor using the above-described test and set operation. On the 80386 microprocessor, the semaphore flag is a memory byte. Certain prior Reduced Instruction Set Computer ("RISC") processors also use the above-described test and set operation.
The 80386 microprocessor allocates system resources in connection with multitasking through the use of the LOCK instruction prefix. The use of the LOCK prefix is also referred to as a LOCK exchange. On the 80386 microprocessor, an instruction with a LOCK prefix locks the memory for the duration of the instruction to guarantee that the read/modify/write cycle is indivisible. No other processor in the system can access memory until this instruction is complete. Thus, the requisite indivisibility is met. On the 80386 microprocessor, the LOCK prefix can be used only with the following instructions: Add With Carry ("ADC"), Integer Addition ("ADD"), And ("AND"), Bit Test ("BT"), Bit Test and Set ("BTS"), Bit Test and Reset ("BTR"), Bit Test and Complement ("BTC"), Inclusive Or ("OR"), Subtract With Borrow ("SBB"), Subtract ("SUB"), Exclusive Or ("XOR"), Exchange ("XCHG"), Decrement ("DEC"), Increment ("INC"), Negate ("NEG"), and Not ("NOT"). If a LOCK prefix is used with any instruction not on the preceding list, an invalid opcode exception is raised.
One disadvantage of this prior implementation of the LOCK instruction prefix is that it does not work efficiently. If a semaphore is not free when the semaphore is requested, a loop is entered without end until the semaphore is free. This is referred to as "busy waiting," and the loop is referred to as a "spin loop." Such a spin loop is relatively expensive in terms of time because the loop ties up the central processing unit and memory resources while waiting for the semaphore to free. One prior way to overcome this problem is to redefine the semaphore operators to place a process waiting for a free semaphore into a waiting queue and then call a scheduler to execute a different process while waiting for the semaphore. Another prior way to overcome this problem is to implement a counter and a spin loop.
Another disadvantage of the 80386 implementation with respect to the LOCK instruction prefix is that it only applies to the instructions or operations set forth above, which are each test and set (i.e., read/modify/write) instructions. The 80386 LOCK instruction prefix does not apply to operations more complex than test and set operations, such as compare operations or jump (i.e., branch) operations. Another operation more complex than the test and set operation is a compare and swap operation that uses a linked list. In such a compare and swap operation, there is a new element in the list. Therefore, the pointer in memory must be updated. The pointer is not a flag or semaphore.
Operations more complex than test and set operations are, however, used in multitask and multiprocessor digital systems. Therefore, there exists the problem of system allocation for multitasking when operations more complex than test and set operations are used.
Some prior processors overcome the problem of multitasking system allocation for instructions more complex than test and set operations by creating certain new instructions. One disadvantage of this prior approach is that the end result is a relatively complicated sequence of operations that need to be performed. The sequence of operations is complicated because special instructions are needed for different situations and it is difficult to consider all the situations that could arise. Another disadvantage of this approach is that it leads to additional instructions, which is contrary to the goal of a RISC processor of reducing the instruction set of the processor.

Method for locking and unlocking a computer address


In order to simplify the input operations for the simulation of the non-electronic musical instrument such as the wind instrument, input values are visually displayed on a display screen of a display unit. Herein, by operating an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a light pen and the like, a tube shape, position and size of a tone hole of the wind instrument is visually drawn on the display screen in accordance with the predetermined plotting programs. In order to simplify calculations required for the computer simulation, the tube shape of the wind instrument, such as a conical shape, is divided into plural portions, each of which is simulated by another simple shape, such as a cylindrical shape. Then, parameters defining the simulated shape of each portion of the tube shape are generated in accordance with the predetermined algorithm, and these parameters are memorized in a memory. When performing a music by use of a wind-instrument-type performance input device, the corresponding parameters are automatically read from the memory so that simulated sounds of the wind instrument can be generated from the electronic musical instrument.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electronic musical instrument which simulates sounds of non-electronic musical instruments so as to electronically synthesize musical tones.
2. Prior Art
Recently, several kinds of analyses are made on the vibrating mechanism of the woodwind instrument having a single reed, such as the clarinet having a simple shape of the tube portion. Accompanied with the development of the digital signal processing techniques in these days, it becomes possible to perform the real-time simulation on the vibrating mechanism of the woodwind instrument by use of the digital signal processor (i.e., DSP), which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 63-40199, for example.
Meanwhile, when simulating the mechanism of the wind instrument by use of the physical-model sound source, it must be necessary to determine some parameters for the wind instrument to be simulated. For example, when simulating the clarinet, it is necessary to determine several kinds of parameters which define the shape of the clarinet, shape and size of the tone holes and characteristics of the reed. However, complicated operations and a large number of computing operations must be needed to determine such parameters, which is very troublesome.


A belt conveyor and an auger conveyor are interchangeably mountable on a seed cart or tender. A mounting bracket slidably receives the lower end of the selected conveyor, which is hooked into position at the lower end of the bracket. A removable pin is inserted through the upper end of the bracket and the conveyor to retain the conveyor on the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can be moved on a carriage along tracks on the frame of the seed cart or tender to position the inlet of the conveyor to receive seeds from bulk seed boxes or a hopper. The conveyor can be rotated to an infinite number of positions along a 180° radius to discharge seed in a desired location.

Seed cards and seed tenders are well-known in the agricultural industry for transporting seed and grain to and from the field. There are two primary styles of seed carts and seed tenders, both of which have a container for seeds. A bulk seed tender typically includes a trailer with a framework for supporting one or more bulk seed boxes or bags. The bulk seed boxes/bags are filled by the seed supplier, mounted on the trailer frame, and transported to the field to fill seed planters in the Spring. A seed cart includes a trailer or wheeled frame with a larger seed hopper supported by legs on the trailer or frame. While the bulk seed boxes/bags are not typically used in the Fall for harvest, a seed cart with the hopper can be used in the Spring to fill planters with seed, and it can be used in the Fall to receive seed from a combine.
Both the bulk seed box or bag and the seed cart hopper have seed outlets in communication with a chute to direct the seed into a conveyor, which carries the seed to a planter or carries the harvested grain for discharge into a truck or other container. The conveyors are either a belt-type conveyor or an auger-type conveyor. Belt conveyors are generally less aggressive and better suited than an auger conveyors for handling seed with minimal damage to the seed. Since seed is expensive, due to the addition of herbicides and pesticides, and other treatments such as genetic modification, it is desirable to maintain the integrity of the seeds. Therefore, it is generally preferable to use a belt conveyor in the Spring for transporting seed. In comparison, auger conveyors are generally more aggressive, but can handle a higher volume. Since the integrity of the harvested grain is not as critical as the integrity of Spring seeds, augers may be used in the Fall for the grain transport.
Prior art seed carts and tenders are manufactured using either a belt conveyor or an auger conveyor. Therefore, if a farmer wants the benefits of each type of conveyor, the farmer must have two carts or tenders, which adds significant costs to the farming operations.
Accordingly, a primary objective of the present invention is the provision of a seed cart or tender having interchangeable belt and auger conveyors.
Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a seed cart or seed tender for bulk seed containers and large seed hoppers which allow the farmer to exchange a belt conveyor and an auger conveyor for one another, as desired.
A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a seed cart or tender having a belt conveyor and an auger conveyor which slidably mount onto the frame for quick and easy substitution of one for the other.
Still another objective of the present invention is the provision of interchangeable belt and auger conveyors on a seed cart or seed tender, which can be quickly and easily mounted and dismounted.
Yet another objective of the present invention is the provision of a belt conveyor and auger conveyor which can be manually interchanged on a seed cart or seed tender without the use of lifting equipment.
Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a seed cart and seed tender having interchangeable conveyors which is economical to manufacturer, and durable and safe in use.
These and other objectives will become apparent from the following description of the invention.

Seed tender with interchangeable conveyors


A color filter 5 is formed above a semiconductor substrate SB, in an area above a predetermined light receiving portion among a plurality of light receiving portions 1. A sacrificial layer 8 is formed on upper and side of the first color filter 5. Color filters 6 and 7 are formed above the semiconductor substrate SB, in areas above other light receiving portions adjacent to the predetermined light receiving portion, to expose at least part of the upper surface area of the first color filter 5 on the sacrificial layer 8. The sacrificial layer 8 is etched to remove the upper and side areas of the color filter 5 on the sacrificial layer 8 to form hollow portions 9 between the color filter 5 and the color filter 6 and between the color filter 5 and the color filter 7.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of a solid-state imaging apparatus (solid-state imaging device) such as a CCD sensor and a CMOS sensor.
2. Description of the Related Art
A technique for improving the light collecting efficiency of receiving portions, particularly, a technique of more efficiently collecting light with a steep incident angle, is desired in a solid-state imaging apparatus. For example, a solid-state imaging apparatus is proposed in recent years, wherein hollow portions are formed in boundary areas of color filters formed above light receiving portions, and reflection of hollow portion interfaces is used to improve the light collecting efficiency of the light receiving portions (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-088415).
A formation method of the hollow portions illustrated in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-088415 will be described.
FIGS. 6A to 6D are schematic views illustrating an outline of forming hollow portions in boundary areas of color filters in a manufacturing method of a solid-state imaging apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-088415.
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-088415, a first color filter is formed in a predetermined area on a planarized layer as illustrated in FIG. 6A. A thin sacrificial layer is formed on the entire surface including the surface of the first color filter.
As illustrated in FIG. 6B, anisotropic dry etching is used to etch-back the sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer is left only on the side walls of the first color filter, and the sacrificial layer is removed from the rest of the surface.
As illustrated in FIG. 6C, a second color filter is formed on the planarized layer, adjacent to one of the sides of the first color filter, through the sacrificial layer. A third color film is formed on the planarized layer, adjacent to the other side of the first color filter, through the sacrificial layer.
As illustrated in FIG. 6D, the sacrificial layer is removed by etching, and hollow portions are formed between the color filters.
However, in the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-088415, when the second and third color filters are formed to cover the upper surfaces of the sacrificial layer formed on the side walls of the first color filter in the step illustrated in FIG. 6C, the sacrificial layer may not be removed by the etching process, and the hollow portions may not be formed.
The present invention has been made in view of the problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method of a solid-state imaging apparatus that allows more stable formation of hollow portions between color filters.

Manufacturing method of solid-state imaging apparatus


Disclosure herein is related to a system for testing wireless signals and a method provided for establishing the system. One of the objectives is to establish one new testing system while the method effectively reduces the unstable problem caused by hardware or environmental variations. The testing system measures intensity of the wireless signals outputted from a device-under-test. While compared to a test signals, it is determined if the signal intensities there-between are balanced. Accordingly, the hardware of system is required to be adjusted. After that, the wireless signals are compared with sample signals for determining whether or not the test results are stable among the different testing system. An attenuation value may be introduced to adjusting the test result. A new testing system is therefore established.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is generally related to a wireless signal testing system and a method for establishing the system; in particular, the method is to acquire a qualified testing system by adjusting hardware and signals with determination of signal balance and accordance.
2. Description of Related Art
Since development of the modern wireless communication technology is getting mature, the end users may require higher quality of wireless communication. On the other hand, the manufacturer may develop various network facilities to cater to the needs of the different clients. For example, the network facility is such as the household network sharing machine, modem, or the network switch, router or access point for the wider area. The network facility may also be the router provided for the device to link mobile communication network.
To the need for the manufacturers' products shipping, the quality control is one of the most important steps. The quality control for the general wireless communication devices shipping is such as signal quality. The signal quality of the wireless signals of the network device is generally based on the examinations such as connection test, packet loss rate, received signal strength indicator (RSSI), data rate, and throughput for a period of time.
The conventional examination may meet the discrepancies among the testing machines and the unexpected hardware depletion resulting in signal error. Therefore, the unstable quality testing may cause poor product quality control. This drawback may be diminished by providing a golden sample to be a standard for compensation for the testing machines. However, the conventional examination may not substantially reduce the instability of the testing environment for the wireless communication device since the instability may result in low yield, high failure rate of retest, and error assessment because of hardware errors.

System for testing wireless signals and method for establishing the same


One embodiment, among others, of an LCD panel includes an array substrate, a CF substrate facing the array substrate and offset by a cell gap from the array substrate, a plurality of spacers positioned on the array substrate or the CF substrate for maintaining the cell gap and supporting the array substrate and the CF substrate, and liquid crystal molecules sealed between the array substrate and the CF substrate. The spacers have different coefficients of elasticity per unit area. Other embodiments are included.

1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, and more particularly, to a high quality LCD panel having an even cell gap.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The LCD panel has been adopted as a display device of various electronic products, such as televisions and computer monitors, due to its small size, light weight, and low power consumption.
An LCD panel includes an array substrate, a CF (color filter) substrate facing the array substrate and keeping a cell gap from the array substrate, and liquid crystal molecules filled between the array substrate and the CF substrate. Basing on the direction of an electric field applied to the substrate, LCD panels are divided into a longitudinal electric filed type LCD panel, such as TN (twisted nematic) mode and STN (super twisted nematic) mode, and a latitudinal electric field type LCD panel, such as IPS (in-plane switching) mode that allows wide viewing angles. In either type of LCD panel, the liquid crystal molecules are electrically controlled by the array substrate, and the light transmittance of a backlight is filtered by the CF substrate so as to display colorful images.
In the past, spacers, mostly spherical spacers composed of plastics, have been spread out between the array substrate and the CF substrate for keeping the cell gap. In that case, the diameter of the spherical spacers are a crucial factor to the yield, and distributional accuracy of the spherical spacers is also required. However, it is difficult to precisely control the distributional density of the spherical spacers, and those unevenly distributed spherical spacers diffract or block the backlight. Consequently, the display quality of the LCD panel is reduced.
Please refer to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a conventional LCD panel 110. As shown in FIG. 11, column spacers 116, which have been adopted recently, are used to replace the spherical spacers. The LCD panel 110 includes an array substrate 112, a CF substrate 114 facing the array substrate 112 and offset by a cell gap from the array substrate 112, and a plurality of column spacers 116 positioned between the array substrate 112 and the CF substrate 114 for keeping the cell gap.
Liquid crystal molecules 120 are implanted into a display region between the array substrate 112 and the CF substrate 114. The array substrate 112 and the CF substrate 114 are compressed with a sealing load to adjust the cell gap, and a sealing gel 126 is applied to the edges of the array substrate 112 and the CF substrate 114. In addition, the CF substrate 114 further includes a black matrix 124 for shielding the boundary region between pixels. Two alignment films 118 are respectively positioned on the surface of the array substrate 112, and the surface of the CF substrate 114 and the column spacers 116. Furthermore, two polarizers 122 are respectively positioned on the surface of the array substrate 112 and the surface of the CF substrate 114 that are not in contact with the liquid crystal molecules 120.
In addition to the method of adjusting the cell gap by applying a sealing load on the array substrate 112 and the CF substrate 114 (referred to as an LC implantation method) as previously mentioned, another method for implanting the liquid crystal molecules 120 (referred to as one drop fill method, ODF method) has been recently developed. According to the ODF method, the column spacers 116 are not applied with a sealing load for adjusting the cell gap between the array substrate 112 and the CF substrate 114. Instead, the cell gap between the array substrate 112 and the CF substrate 114 is adjusted by virtue of controlling the amounts of the liquid crystal molecules 120. It is worthy of note that the LC implantation method can be applied to an LCD panel with spherical spacers or column spacers 116, but the ODF method can only be adopted when the LCD panel is equipped with column spacers 116.
The column spacers 116 are formed, for instance, by forming an epoxy resin layer or a propylene resin layer with an even thickness on the array substrate 112 or the CF substrate 114, and performing a photolithography process to pattern the epoxy resin layer or the propylene resin layer. Therefore, the position of the column spacers 116 is precisely controlled. For example, if a display region is the region that actually displays images, and an aperture region is the region that allows the backlight through, the column spacers 116 are preferably formed in a non-aperture region that overlaps with the black matrix 124. This is because if the column spacers 116 are formed in the aperture region, the aperture ratio of the display region is reduced. In addition, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 120 close to the column spacers 116 is disordered, which leads to an uneven brightness problem.
In another aspect, a fixed and even cell gap is critical for improving and enhancing the display quality of the LCD panel 110. An uneven cell gap results in display defects, such as a color defect or a contrast defect. Therefore, for ensuring high display qualities, e.g. high-evenness of display, high contrast ratio, and high response time, a fixed and even cell gap is strictly required.
However, the thermal expansion of the liquid crystal molecules 120 and the column spacers 116 due to heat accumulated in the LCD panel 110, the inner pressure distribution of the liquid crystal molecules 120 in the LCD panel 110 due to gravity, or other factors makes it difficult to maintain a fixed cell gap.
Please refer to FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b). FIG. 5(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating an LCD panel 110 in a vertical position. FIG. 5(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating an inner pressure distribution due to gravity that acts upon the LCD panel 110 shown in FIG. 5(a). The LCD panel 110 includes spherical spacers (not shown), and is sealed with a sealing load. The inner pressure distribution P(y) of the liquid crystal molecules 120 in the LCD panel 110 can be expressed by Equation 1:P(y)=P0+ρ·g·y (−h/2≦y≦h/2)wherein                P0 denotes an average inner pressure of the liquid crystal molecules when sealed;        ρ denotes the specific gravity of the liquid crystal molecules 120;        h denotes the height of the LCD panel 110 in the display region; and        g denotes the acceleration of gravity.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cell gap of the LCD panel shown in FIG. 5(a). In FIG. 6, the y′ axis represents the height (mm) measured from the bottom of the LCD panel 110, the x axis represents the distance (mm) measured from the left end of the LCD panel 110, the CG axis represents the cell gap (μm) of the LCD panel 110, and y′ and y have a relation of y′=−y+h/2. As shown in FIG. 6, the cell gap becomes larger in the lower portion of the LCD panel 110 in which the inner pressure of the liquid crystal molecules 120 is higher, and the cell gap becomes smaller in the upper portion of the LCD panel 110 in which the inner pressure of the liquid crystal molecules 120 is lower.
Recently, large-sized TVs are in demand, and therefore the demand for large-sized LCD panels increases. Normally, an LCD panel, especially a large-sized LCD panel for use in a TV, is in a vertical position when viewed, thus the inner pressure distribution of the liquid crystal molecules due to gravity is uneven. This uneven inner pressure distribution of the liquid crystal molecules leads to a cell gap difference between the upper portion and the lower portion of the LCD panel. In addition, the operation temperature in the LCD panel is generally about 50 to 70 degrees Celsius due to the heat generated by the backlight. In that case, the cell gap difference is significant, resulting in display defects known as gravity mura.
Specifically, gravity mura occurs when the LCD panel is in a vertical position at a high temperature. If the thermal expansion of the liquid crystal molecules exceeds the elastic deformation range when the LCD panel is sealed, the liquid crystal molecules in the cells accumulate in the bottom of the LCD panel due to gravity. This leads to an uneven cell gap.
Please refer to FIG. 9(a) through FIG. 9(c). FIG. 9(a) through FIG. 9(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating how gravity mura occurs. As shown in FIG. 9(a), a sealing load is applied to the array substrate 112 and the CF substrate 114 (i.e. the column spacers 116) at atmospheric temperature, and the column spacers 116 have elastic deformations due to the applied sealing load. When the LCD panel 110 is heated, the liquid crystal molecules 120 expand. This increases the cell gap, and therefore decreases the elastic deformations of the column spacers 116. If the expansion of the column spacers 116 is not as large as the expansion of the cell gap, the column spacers 116 separate from the array substrate 112 or the CF substrate 114 as shown in FIG. 9(b). If the LCD panel 110 is in a vertical position, the liquid crystal molecules 120 flow downwards and accumulate in the bottom of the LCD panel 110 due to gravity. Consequently, gravity mura occurs in the lower portion of the LCD panel 110 as shown in FIG. 9(c).
Please refer to FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b). FIG. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view of a large-sized LCD panel in a vertical position. FIG. 7(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating an inner pressure distribution due to gravity that acts upon the LCD panel shown in FIG. 7(a). Differing from the LCD panel shown in FIG. 5(a), the LCD panel 110 shown in FIG. 7(a) is large-sized, and therefore the relation between the height y and the atmospheric pressure can be expressed as follows:y=yatm(−h/2≦yatm≦h/2)
In the large-sized LCD panel 110, if the liquid crystal molecules accumulate in the lower portion of the LCD panel 110, the inner pressure of the liquid crystal molecules 120 far exceeds the atmospheric pressure when yatm≦y≦h/2. Consequently, the cell gap distribution is as FIG. 8 shows. In FIG. 8, the origin (L=0 mm) and the right end (L=20 mm) of the latitudinal axis respectively represent y=yatm and y=2/h in FIG. 7(a), wherein y=h/2 is the position of the sealing gel 126. In addition, the longitudinal axis in FIG. 8 represents the cell gap variation compared to the original length of the column spacers 116, in which 0.6 t, 0.7 t, and 1.1 t respectively represent conditions in which the CF substrate 114 has a thickness of 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, and 1.1 mm. It can be seen from FIG. 8 that the thinner the thickness of the CF substrate 114 is, the larger the cell gap variation becomes.
Japanese Patent No. 2002-37325 discloses a method for reducing the cell gap difference when the LCD panel is in a vertical position, so as to reduce display defects. The LCD panel of Japanese Patent No.2002-37325 includes a pair of substrates facing each other, a plurality of column spacers for keeping the cell gap formed on at least one of the substrates, and liquid crystal molecules filled between the substrates. The LCD panel is characterized by keeping the column spacers in the elastically deformed condition at a temperature from 25 to 50 degrees Celsius when the LCD panel is in a vertical position.
However, Japanese Patent No. 2002-37325 only considers the thermal expansion factor that affects the cell gap of the LCD panel, and fails to consider the gravity factor that also affects the cell gap.

Liquid crystal display device having spacers with different coefficients of elasticity per unit area gradually decreasing along the length of the display panel


A trailer hitch assembly that includes a hitch mount member having a chassis mount plate, a hitch mount plate having a plate mounting aperture bored entirely therethrough and four spaced alignment bores formed therein, and an extension arm in connection between the chassis mount plate and the hitch mount plate; a multi-ball hitch unit including a cross-shaped ball support structure including four support arms extending radially outward from a center portion having a structure mounting aperture formed therethrough; three trailer mount balls, each secured to the end of one of the four support arms; and a pintel hook secured to the end of the remaining one of the four support arms; and a positioning mechanism including a bolt assembly including a bolt having a cap portion and a threaded shaft portion; a securing nut threadable onto an end of the threaded shaft portion; a biasing spring; and two alignment pins, the alignment pins extending perpendicularly with respect to two of the four support arms and being positioned in a manner such that when the plate mounting aperture and the structure mounting aperture are in alignment the alignment pins are positionable in registration with two of the four spaced alignment bores, the biasing spring being positioned between the mounting plate and the support structure, the threaded portion of the bolt being positioned through the plate mounting aperture and the structure mounting aperture, the securing nut being threaded onto an end of the threaded shaft portion.

Trailers are typically provided with one of a number of standard trailer hitch fittings. Because at various time a vehicle can be required to tow a number of trailers, each equipped with different trailer hitch fitting, it would be a benefit to have a trailer hitch assembly that could be used to attach trailers equipped with different hitch fittings to a vehicle. Because convenience is always a benefit, it would of course also be a benefit to have a trailer hitch assembly that could be easily converted to connect with a required type of trailer hitch fitting.


A new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea plant named ‘Hokomarevo’, characterized by its upright plant habit; strong erect stems; relatively small leaves; and mophead-type inflorescences with durable flowers that are initially light red purple in color becoming red purple and light green with development.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea plant, botanically known as Hydrangea macrophylla and hereinafter referred to by the name 'Hokomarevo'.
The new Hydrangea plant is a naturally-occurring whole plant mutation of Hydrangea macrophylla 'Xian', not patented. The new Hydrangea plant was discovered and selected by the Inventors as a single flowering plant from within a population of plants of 'Man' in a controlled greenhouse environment in Boskoop, The Netherlands in July, 2007.
Asexual reproduction of the new Hydrangea plant by vegetative cuttings in a controlled greenhouse environment in Boskoop, The Netherlands since August, 2007, has shown that the unique features of this new Hydrangea plant are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.


A portable eyeflushing device is disclosed having bladders which store an eyeflushing fluid. The bladders are attached to a mask that may be easily placed on a user so as to cover or enclose the user's eyes. A strap on the mask attaches the device to the user's head such that it is retained in position without the necessity of holding it in position. The bladders have tear strips on a portion extending internally of the mask which are connected to pull cords extending to the exterior of the mask and which may be manually grasped and pulled to tear the strips away from the bladder. This opens the bladders and allows the eyeflushing fluid to be dispensed from the bladders into the interior of the mask and into the user's eye. A nose piece on the interior of the mask prevents eyeflushing fluid on one side of the mask from passing to the other side of the mask and thereby prevents contamination of the user's other eye. A pair of digit covers extend outwardly from the sides of the mask. The digit covers are formed of a flexible material and may be everted into the interior of the mask to enable either the user, or an assistant to insert the thumb and forefinger into the interior of the mask and hold the eyelid open during the flushing process. The invention also has a containment bag which is attached to the mask and, prior to use, partially covers the bladders to act as a protection for the bladders. After the eyeflushing device has been used, the containment bag may be everted over the mask and closed to prevent escape of the contaminated eyeflushing fluid.

The present invention relates to a device for storing and supplying an eyeflushing fluid.
It is oftentimes necessary for a person to perform tasks under hazardous conditions, or to perform tasks with hazardous materials. Such tasks and materials present obvious dangers to the person despite the use of protective clothing and gear. It is often difficult to adequately protect the person's eyes and still maintain the visual acuity necessary to perform the tasks or to utilize the materials.
Despite the presence of eye protective devices, such as safety glasses, goggles, etc., it is difficult, if not impossible, to completely enclose the person's eyes in order to prevent contamination by dust, dirt, etc., especially when the necessary tasks involve the use of chemicals. Chemicals may often generate harmful gases that are not prevented from contacting the user's eye, even when wearing normal eye safety devices.
Since the person performing the task or utilizing the hazardous materials cannot be assured of 100% protection, systems have been devised to apply a flushing solution to the eye of the person in order to flush out the dust or dirt, or to neutralize eye contamination from a chemical material. While such devices have been generally successful, they have proven unduly complex, thereby limiting their portability and limiting their capability of being utilized quickly under emergency conditions.
In a zero gravity environment, such as on a manned spacecraft, an efficient, readily portable and easily useable eyeflushing device is also desirable to rapidly treat the eyes of astronauts or other occupants of the spacecraft who may be conducting experiments utilizing hazardous materials or in the event that any other contamination reaches their eyes. While many eyeflushing devices are commercially available, most if not all of them do not collect or contain the eyeflushing fluid after it has been used to flush a person's eyes. In a zero gravity spacecraft environment, it is particularly important that all eyeflushing fluid be self-contained both before and after its use.
Portable eyeflushing devices which prevent serious injury in areas remote from water supply are also necessary for use by persons engaged or employed in mining operations, expansive chemical plants, fire fighting and transferring and transporting hazardous materials. These portable eyeflush devices serve as temporary treatment until the victim can be safely transported to a first aid site, where access is available to an ANSI Z358.1 standard (15 minute/0.4 GPM minimum) eyewash supply station.


Methods, apparatus and computer program products for indicating availability in a telecommunications network are provided. An availability alerting service is initiated in response to a trigger associated with non-completion of an initial call from a calling party to a called party, the availability alerting service provides the calling party with availability alert information to solicit a follow-up call from the calling party when the called party has a given availability state after the initial call. The availability alerting service detects a first availability status change after initiation of the alerting service, and transmits a first availability update message to the calling party to solicit the follow-up call. A second availability status change is detected, subsequent to the first availability status change, and a second availability update message is transmitted to the calling party to inhibit the follow-up call.

Communication between a calling party and a recipient in a telecommunications network is typically initiated by the calling party attempting to conduct a telephone call with the recipient by dialling the recipient's telephone dialling number on a calling party telephony device. In order for the call to proceed, the recipient must accept the call. If the recipient is busy or does not wish to take the call for some reason, then the calling party's attempt to conduct a telephone call with the recipient will fail.
When a calling party attempts to call a recipient, the calling party typically has no knowledge as to whether the recipient will be available to accept a call. Therefore, in order to successfully speak to a currently unavailable recipient, the calling party may have to initiate one or more a subsequent call attempts, in the hope that the recipient later becomes available for a call.
The above problem is regularly encountered when a calling party attempts to contact a call centre. A call centre is a point of contact, typically between businesses and their customers, that handles a large volume of incoming telephone calls, often from customers requiring information or some form of product support. If no call centre operators are available to take the call, the call will typically be placed in a queue to be distributed to an operator when one becomes available, typically in a 'First-in, First-Out' manner.
During a busy period for the call centre, there may not be enough operators to keep the queuing time down to an acceptable level. As a result, a calling party may have to wait for an unacceptably long period of time to speak to an operator, resulting in an unpleasant experience for the calling party. In order to avoid waiting in the queue, the calling party may terminate the call and initiate a second call with the call centre at a later time. However, there may be a similarly large or increased number of calls in the queue at the time that the second call is initiated, resulting in no decrease in the amount of waiting time.
A known system describes a method for providing a call back option to a customer of a call centre in response to a first call from the customer. The call back option may consist of a call centre operator placing a return call to the customer when the call centre is less busy, or arranging a time for the customer to call back when the call centre is expected to be less busy. The call centre operator may attempt a return call at a time that turns out to be inconvenient for the customer. Further, the call centre may arrange for the customer to call back at a time when the customer is not available to call back.
A known system describes a method for processing an inbound call to a call centre during a busy period at the call centre in which the caller is assigned a place in a queue and a time window in which they are advised to call back. The call centre will keep the caller's place in the queue after the first call is disconnected if the caller calls back within the time window assigned to them.
It would be desirable to provide improved methods for a calling party to contact a recipient, in the case of non-completion of an initial call.


A vehicle includes: a reception device receives power for running the vehicle in a non-contact manner using electromagnetic field resonance; and a transmission device transmits power supplied to a device inside the vehicle in a non-contact manner using the electromagnetic field resonance. An electromagnetic field frequency used by the reception device setting a different electromagnetic field frequency used to transmit power. To set the electromagnetic field frequency used by the reception device to receive power and the electromagnetic field frequency used by the transmission device to transmit power such that the electromagnetic field frequency used to receive power is lower than the electromagnetic field frequency used by the transmission device to transmit power. The power received by the reception device in a non-contact manner from an external transmission device outside the vehicle to be larger than the power transmitted by the transmission device in a non-contact manner.

Vehicles such as an electric automobile and a plug-in hybrid automobile that can charge an in-vehicle power storage device from the outside have been in practical use. Techniques for charging automatically and for guiding to a parking position therefor have also been studied. Furthermore, there is a need for supplying power to an in-vehicle electric device inside the vehicle in order to charge a cellular phone battery and the like.
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-104868 (JP 2007-104868 A) (Patent Document 1) discloses a charger that charges a cellular phone battery inside the vehicle using electromagnetic induction.

Vehicle, electric device, and power transmission/reception system