In a method for coupling an optical waveguide to a light emitting diode (LED) within a resin case, an input end of the optical waveguide is mounted proximal to a surface formed in the resin case parallel to a light-emitting face of the LED. The optical waveguide and the resin case can be bonded by a light or thermally curable resin that is applied and subsequently solidified. The light or thermally curable resin may be a photopolymer sensitive to light emerging from the waveguide. An automated coupling system is provided to optimize the coupling conditions using the in-coupled light efficiency feedback and controller. Finally a method is described allowing the coupling efficiency to be controlled using external excitation forces or light intensity variations, using electro-optic, magneto-optic, thermo-optic, light polarization sensitive or nonlinear properties of the filler material used between the resin case and waveguide.

Semiconductor light emitting devices, such as laser diodes (LD) and LEDs are widely used as high efficiency direct electric modulation light sources for testing of various passive and active optical components, as well as for illumination. A LED usually is a large spectral bandwidth Lambertian source with a broad emitting area, which makes it difficult to efficiently couple the light radiation to relatively small cross section waveguide structures, such as fibers.
Traditional methods of coupling a light into the fiber use micro-lens components positioned between the light source and the fiber. Typical examples of this type of system are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,489 entitled METHOD OF MAKING AN OPTICAL SEMICONDUCTOR MODULE, which issued on Jun. 1, 1993 to Nakamura, Canadian patent No 2,159,136 entitled OPTICAL FIBER ASSEMBLY, which issued on Jul. 3, 2001 to Takahashi and Canadian Patent No 1,113,762 entitled OPTICAL COUPLER FOR CONNECTING A LIGHT SOURCE TO AN OPTICAL TRANSMISSION LINE, which issued on Dec. 8, 1981 to Balliet. Thus, light emerging from the light source passes through a micro-lens system and traverses several optical surfaces (between media with different refractive indices), which introduces undesirable reflection losses. In addition, the required micro-optical components, and the need for fine micro positioning of these elements, significantly decrease the performance of the device and increase its cost, particularly for small diameter components such as single mode fibers, etc.
Different approaches are known for addressing the problem of increasing the coupling efficiency between the LED and optical fiber. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,376,946 entitled SUPERLUMINESCENT LED WITH EFFICIENT COUPLING TO OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE, which issued on Mar. 15, 1983 to Kaminow et al., teaches a method of coupling a super luminescent LED having lateral confinement of the light in the junction plane, to an optical waveguide. According to Kaminow et al., a special waveguide defined in the LED by different refractive index semiconductor layers is constructed to have an effective numerical aperture equal to the numerical aperture of the optical waveguide. As a result, photons emitted by the LED can be effectively guided into the optical waveguide. The device of Kaminow et al. suffers the limitation that it requires a special (costly) superluminescent LED having a spectral bandwidth, which is narrower than an ordinary LED's bandwidth. However, often a conventional broad bandwidth LED's light is preferable for utilization in optical testing equipment.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,272 entitled MEANS FOR COUPLING AN OPTICAL FIBER TO AN OPTO-ELECTRONIC DEVICE, which issued on May 2, 1989 to Pimpinella et al., teaches a system for coupling an optical fiber and semiconductor device by inserting the fiber and light source into "wells" formed in a supporting body. Precise and expensive technological processes such as photolithography and selective etching must be used for the manufacturing of this structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,399 entitled LED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR, which issued on Oct. 9, 1979 to Hansen et al., teaches an improved connector scheme for coupling the output of a LED to an optical fiber. In this case, a large-diameter optical fiber having a wide angle of acceptance is placed in abutting position against one side surface of the LED. The diameter of the fiber exceeds the thickness of the LED and the fiber has a wide angle of acceptance (about 64 degrees) that encompasses substantially all the light emitted through the surface of the LED. Accordingly, this approach is not suitable for use with standard optical fibers, which are typically much narrower in diameter and have a much narrower angle of acceptance (25–30 degrees).
Accordingly a method of optically connecting a standard light emitting device to an optical waveguide structure that is both efficient and inexpensive, remains highly desirable.

Method and device for coupling a light emitting source to an optical waveguide


An apparatus and methods for a double coast engagement diaphragm spring for a torque converter are provided. The double coast engagement diaphragm spring includes first and second coast engagement diaphragm springs. The first coast engagement diaphragm spring exerts a first, continuous axial thrust onto a turbine comprising the torque converter. The second coast engagement diaphragm spring applies a second axial thrust onto the turbine only during coasting conditions. A drive flange includes ramps for engaging the second coast engagement diaphragm spring during coasting conditions and causing the second coast engagement diaphragm spring to apply the second axial thrust onto the turbine. A retainer plate disengages the second coast engagement diaphragm spring during drive conditions. A spacer ring between the first coast engagement diaphragm spring and the second coast engagement diaphragm spring causes the first and second coast engagement diaphragm springs to operate in series.

Automotive vehicles with automatic transmissions generally are equipped with a torque converter. The torque converter is a fluid coupling that transfers rotational power from an engine to an automatic transmission. Torque converters typically include a front cover fixed to an impeller that rotate as a unit to transfer fluid through the torque converter and cause a turbine to rotate. The turbine generally transfers rotational power to planetary gears comprising the automatic transmission.
To improve fuel economy, many torque converters include a bypass or lockup clutch that mechanically couples the turbine to a case of the torque converter to bypass the fluid coupling. When the lockup clutch is engaged, drive wheels of a motor vehicle are generally driven directly by an engine without participation of the fluid coupling. While the vehicle is in drive, fluid pressure between the front plate and the turbine is sufficient to apply the lockup clutch. During coasting conditions, however, the fluid pressure on the turbine drops and another form of thrust must be applied to the turbine to keep the clutch engaged.
In general, a load must be applied to the turbine to assist with applying the lockup clutch. In many embodiments, the lockup clutch is applied by way of a coast engagement diaphragm spring that applies thrust load to the turbine when a damper is wound in the coast direction. In some instances, however, the thrust load of a single coast engagement diaphragm spring may not be sufficient to apply the clutch during coasting conditions. It has been observed that in some instances one coast engagement diaphragm spring may be limited by too much hysteresis in the damper during drive conditions and not enough thrust load during coasting conditions. Embodiments presented herein provide a double coast engagement diaphragm spring for a clutch system of a torque converter that overcomes these and other limitations, as described herein.

Constant-on double coast engagement diaphragm spring


A display panel includes: a plurality of first wirings extending in a row direction; a plurality of second wirings extending in a column direction; and a plurality of pixels each arranged in proximity to an intersection of each of the first wirings and each of the second wirings. Two wirings of the plurality of first wirings or two wirings of the plurality of second wirings are disposed in a common region interposed between two pixels next to each other, and layouts of the respective two wirings in a thickness direction are different from each other at least in a part of each of the layouts.

The technology relates to a display panel suitable for use in which a high-definition resolution is desired, and a display unit with the display panel. The technology also relates to an electronic unit provided with the display unit.
In the field of display units which display images, display units using a current-driven type optical device as a light-emission device of a pixel have been developed and commercialized in recent years. In the current-driven type optical device, light emission intensity varies depending on the value of a flowing current. Examples of the current-driven type optical device include an organic electro luminescence (EL) device. The organic EL device is a self-luminous device, unlike a liquid crystal device and the like. Therefore, in the display unit using the organic EL device (i.e., an organic EL display unit), a light source (a backlight) is unnecessary and thus, it is possible to reduce a thickness and increase a luminance, as compared with a liquid crystal display unit in which a light source is necessary. In particular, when an active matrix system is used as a drive system, it is possible to light and hold each pixel, which enables a reduction in power consumption. Therefore, the organic EL display unit is expected to be the mainstream in the next generation of flat-panel displays.
In the display unit of the active matrix type, a current flowing in the organic EL device provided for each pixel is controlled by a thin-film transistor (TFT) which is disposed in a pixel circuit provided for each of the organic EL devices (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-33091).

Display panel in which two wiring lines of the same type have different thickness direction layouts


A parametric audio system having increased bandwidth for generating airborne audio signals with reduced distortion. The parametric audio system includes a modulator for modulating an ultrasonic carrier signal with a processed audio signal, a driver amplifier for amplifying the modulated carrier signal, and an array of acoustic transducers for projecting the modulated and amplified carrier signal through the air along a selected projection path to regenerate the audio signal. Each of the acoustic transducers in the array is a membrane-type transducer. Further, the acoustic transducer array is a phased array capable of electronically steering, focusing, or shaping one or more audio beams.

The present invention relates generally to parametric audio systems for generating airborne audio signals, and more specifically to such parametric audio systems that include arrays of wide bandwidth membrane-type transducers.
Parametric audio systems are known that employ arrays of acoustic transducers for projecting ultrasonic carrier signals modulated with audio signals through the air for subsequent regeneration of the audio signals along a path of projection. A conventional parametric audio system includes a modulator for modulating an ultrasonic carrier signal with an audio signal, at least one driver amplifier for amplifying the modulated carrier signal, and one or more acoustic transducers for directing the modulated and amplified carrier signal through the air along a selected projection path. Each of the acoustic transducers in the array is typically a piezoelectric transducer. Further, because of the non-linear propagation characteristics of the air, the projected ultrasonic signal is demodulated as it passes through the air, thereby regenerating the audio signal along the selected projection path.
One drawback of the above-described conventional parametric audio system is that the piezoelectric transducers used therewith typically have a narrow bandwidth, e.g., 2-5 kHz. As a result, it is difficult to minimize distortion in the regenerated audio signals. Further, because the level of the audible sound generated by such parametric audio systems is proportional to the surface area of the acoustic transducer, it is generally desirable to maximize the effective surface area of the acoustic transducer array. However, because the typical piezoelectric transducer has a diameter of only about 0.25 inches, it is often necessary to include hundreds or thousands of such piezoelectric transducers in the acoustic transducer array to achieve an optimal acoustic transducer surface area, thereby significantly increasing the cost of manufacture.
Another drawback of the conventional parametric audio system is that the ultrasonic signal is typically directed along the selected projection path by a mechanical steering device. This allows the sound to be positioned dynamically or interactively, as controlled by a computer system. However, such mechanical steering devices are frequently expensive, bulky, inconvenient, and limited.
It would therefore be desirable to have a parametric audio system configured to generate airborne audio signals. Such a parametric audio system would provide increased bandwidth and reduced distortion in an implementation that is less costly to manufacture.


Polyimides displaying low color in thin films, atomic oxygen resistance, vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, solubility in organic solvents in the imide form, high glass transition (Tg) temperatures, and high thermal stability are provided. The poly(amide acid)s, copoly(amide acid)s, polyimides and copolyimides are prepared by the reaction of stoichiometric ratios of an aromatic dianhydride with diamines which contain phenylphosphine oxide groups in polar aprotic solvents. Controlled molecular weight oligomeric (amide acid)s and imides can be prepared by offsetting the stoichiometry according to the Carothers equation using excess diamine and endcapping with aromatic anhydrides. The polyimide materials can be processed into various material forms such as thin films, fibers, foams, threads, adhesive film, coatings, dry powders, and fiber coated prepreg, and uses include thin film membranes on antennas, second-surface mirrors, thermal optical coatings, and multi-layer thermal insulation (MLI) blanket materials.

Thin films from relatively high molecular weight aromatic polyimides generally exhibit toughness, flexibility, solvent resistance, high glass transition temperatures (Tg) and thermal stability. In many cases these materials, due to their aromatic structure exhibit good ultraviolet (UV) radiation resistance; however they also display significant color (D. Wilson, H. D. Stenzenberger and P. M. Hergenrother, "Polyimides", Blackie and Son, Glasgow and London, 1990). Kapton® polyimide film is a good example of the typical amber color exhibited by thin films. No commercially available polyimides are resistant to degradation by atomic oxygen exposure. The preparation of low color polyimides that are UV resistant has been reported (A. K. St. Clair, T. L. St. Clair and W. S. Slemp "Recent Advances in Polyimide Science and Technology", W. Weber and M. Gupta, eds., Society of Plastics Engineers, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 1987, pp. 16–36; A. K. St. Clair and W. S. Slemp, SAMPE Technical Conference Proceedings, 23, 1991; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,595,548 and 4,603,061 issued Jun. 17, 1986 and Jul. 29, 1986, respectively to National Aeronautics and Space Administration). However none of these polyimides are resistant to atomic oxygen or oxygen plasma degradation.
Some reports detail the preparation of polyimides which contain phenylphosphine oxide units in the polymer backbone (I. K. Varma, G. M. Fohlen and J. A. Parker, Journal of Macromolecular Science-Chemistry, A19(2), 209 (1983); I. K. Varma and B. S. Rao, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 28, 2805 (1983); I. K. Varma, G. M. Fohlen and J. A. Parker Journal of Polymer Science Polymer Chemistry Edition, 28, 2017 (1983); P. M. Hergenrother and S. J. Havens, Journal of Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry Edition, 27, 1161 (1987); U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,937 issued 1992 to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration). Recent reports show that phosphine oxide containing poly(arylene ether)s exhibit atomic oxygen and oxygen plasma resistance [C. D. Smith, H. F. Webster, A. Gungor, J. P. Wightman and J. E. McGrath, High Performance Polymers, 3(4), 211 (1991); J. W. Connell, J. G. Smith, Jr. and P. M. Hergenrother, Journal of Fire Science 11, 137 (1993); J. G. Smith, Jr., J. W. Connell and P. M. Hergenrother, Polymer, 35, 2834 (1994)]. This was extended to show that polyimides containing phosphine oxide groups were also atomic oxygen and oxygen plasma resistant [(J. W. Connell, J. G. Smith, Jr. and P. M. Hergenrother, Polymer, 36, 5 (1995); J. W. Connell, J. G. Smith, Jr. and P. M. Hergenrother, Polymer, 36, 13 (1995)]. Other polyimides containing phosphine oxide groups have been reported [J. E. McGrath, H. Grubbs, M. E. Rogers, A. Gungor and W. A. Joseph, SAMPE Technical Conference Proceedings, 23, 119 (1991); J. M. Wescott, T. Toon, L. Kiefer and J. E. McGrath, Polymer Preprints, 33(2), 235 (1992); Y. N. Lin, S. Joardar and J. E. McGrath, Polymer Preprints, 34(1), 515 (1993)]. However, in all of these reports, the polyimides containing phosphine oxide groups exhibited high color that ranged from orange to brown and consequently they exhibited poor optical transparency and relatively high solar absorptivities.
The present invention constitutes new compositions of matter, which exhibit unique and unexpected combinations of properties. It concerns new diamines and dianhydrides that contain phenylphosphine oxide groups and polyimides and copolyimides prepared therefrom. The polymers prepared from these aromatic diamines and aromatic dianhydrides exhibit an unexpected combination of properties that include low color in thin film form (1–2 mils thick), low solar absorptivity, high optical transparency, atomic oxygen resistance, vacuum UV radiation resistance, solubility in organic solvents in the imide form, high Tg, and high thermal stability. These compositions of matter are also useful as adhesives, coatings, films, fibers, foams, moldings, powders, prepregs and composite matrices.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Space environmentally durable polyimides and copolyimides

The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration


A vehicle of the industrial truck type comprises a chassis (3), at least three wheels (4) arranged to support the chassis while resting on the ground and a lifting unit (8) connected to the chassis having one or more members (9) arranged to carry loads and a power arrangement to raise and lower the load-carrying members relative to the chassis. The lifting unit is carried by the chassis via a mast-like beam (12), that is pivotably connected to the chassis about a substantially horizontal axis. Power means is arranged to pivot the beam about this axis relative to the chassis.

The present invention concerns a vehicle of the industrial truck type for handing loads according to the description herein;
The expression "vehicle of the industrial truck type" is intended to include vehicles that are suitable at least for carrying out the tasks normally carried out by a conventional industrial truck, i.e. handling loads mainly within industrial sites and warehouses as well as loading yards. A difference will be made between the handling and the transporting of loads, and vehicles that at are at least relatively often used to transport loads between locations located at a distance of a few kilometres or more apart, should not be considered to be of the industrial truck type. Different types of working machine, such as front loaders, digging machines or such, should riot be considered as being of this type either. They are not suitable for handling loads at industrial sites or warehouse sites.
It is however pointed out that the expression "vehicle of the industrial truck type" includes vehicles that can have a totally different appearance to conventional industrial trucks as long as they are suitable for the normal tasks that such a vehicle has to carry out.
The conditions under which such vehicles have to work have one thing in common; that the space in which they have at their disposal to move about in is limited since a maximal utilisation of the space at industrial sites and warehouses as well as loading yards is strived for, for cost saving reasons. It is also important that such a vehicle allows manoeuvring in an effective way, so that time and thereby costs can be saved.
A disadvantage with known vehicles of this type is that they do not provide for the desired maximum utilisation of said space and the possibility of effective manoeuvring to save time and costs to a sufficiently high degree. They are relatively clumsy in nature and sometimes have to move according to unfavourable movement patterns in order to transport themselves from one orientation and functional position at one place to a different place having another orientation and/or functional position. These unfavourable movement patterns can mean that the vehicle's sweep areas, i.e. the areas that the vehicle "shadows" during its movement, become unnecessarily large or that these sweep areas have a non-advantageous appearance, considering the "landscape" in which the vehicle will move.
Another reason for time losses is that the lifting unit's load-carrying elements of known vehicles of this type have a limited reach, so that the vehicle can be forced to take long detours or utilise the help of other tools, such as lifting wagons, to transport a load to a certain desired location, such as a long way into a truck bed, or to collect a load from such a location.
Known vehicles of this type even greatly worsen the driver's visibility in certain working situations in the direction the driver would most of all like to have good visibility, which can result in the driver having to drive the vehicle in an ineffective way, for example having to take a detour, or having to drive the vehicle as if his visibility were good with the risk of damaging the surroundings and/or the load.


A projector for creating a night-sky illusion on a planar surface such as a ceiling or a wall. The projector includes a base having two pairs of opposing walls and a shelf assembly adapted to be mounted in the base including a light bulb, a battery connected to the bulb, and a switch. It also includes a top adapted to be slidably mounted on the base and a transparency extending across an opening formed in the lid. The transparency is generally opaque, but includes a array of transparent dots fixed in predetermined positions. The disclosed method involves using the projector to produce an array of light spots resembling the night sky on a surface, applying luminescent paint to the spots and then exposing the painted spots to light energy, causing the paint to glow.

This invention generally relates to optical equipment and more particularly to a projector for producing a night sky illusion on a planar surface such as the interior ceiling of a room.
From the beginning, humans have regarded the heavens with feelings of wonder, fascination, awe and sometimes fear. Major heavenly bodies were regarded as gods by early peoples and clusters of stars were imagined to resemble mythical creatures and persons that paraded across the nighttime sky. Out of people's need to understand and rationalize what could be seen in the heavens was born what is possibly the oldest of sciences, astronomy, and a countless number of fables. Viewing of the nighttime sky remains a pastime enjoyed by young and old alike. Unfortunately due to adverse weather conditions and the realities of urban living, such an experience is becoming increasingly rare for most people.
A popular substitute for actual viewing of the stars is a planetarium. By permitting indoor viewing of simulated portions of the night sky, a planetarium provides a year round source of astronomical education and entertainment. Typically a planetarium will have a spherically shaped ceiling and a projector mounted at the approximate center of the sphere. The projector will include a small rotatably mounted sphere and an intense light source mounted within the sphere at its center. The surface of this sphere is opaque and includes a large number of tiny holes. The holes are positioned so that when the projector is illuminated the light transmitted through the holes in the sphere will form light patterns on the ceiling resembling star, planets and constellations as they would be viewed from the earth's surface. By rotating this sphere, the apparent movement of these bodies due to rotation of the earth can be simulated. Also by properly orienting this sphere, portions of the heavens seen at different times during the night and different seasons of the year can be viewed. A visit to a planetarium is a unique experience, and many people have expressed a desire to have a planetarium in their own homes. Unfortunately, because of the expense and structural complexity involved in building a planetarium even on a small scale, this would not be possible for most people.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a projector for creating a night sky effect on a ceiling which is relatively simple, inexpensive and practical for residential use.
It is another object of this invention to provide for such a projector in which the night sky image is created using a substantially planar transparency, thus eliminating the more complex spherical lens assembles used in planetariums.
It is a further object of this invention to provide for a process for creating a night sky image on a ceiling using luminescent paint, thus eliminating the need for continuing use of the projector.

Projector and process for creating a night-sky illusion


When a hybrid optical disc is loaded on a player, the next generation DVD layer is reproduced in preference to the DVD layer. Jump to the DVD layer is appropriately performed based on the content of the reproduction list held in the next generation DVD. The jump to the DVD layer is performed based on the command information (jump command) held in the reproduction list of the next generation DVD layer. When reproduction of the title specified by the command information is finished after the jump to the DVD layer, the process returns to the HDDVD layer, and reproduction is performed from the position following the reproducing position at the time of the jump. Thus, the content of the HDDVD layer and the content of the DVD layer are reproduced as one stream.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to optical disc devices and hybrid optical discs, and, in particular, to a hybrid optical disc in which a DVD layer and a next generation DVD layer are arranged in sequence from a laser light entering side, and an optical disc device suitably used in reproducing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Presently, standardization of the next generation DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) using a blue laser light having a wavelength of about 405 nm is being put forward. In such standardization, consideration is made on arranging two recording layers, which are the recording layer corresponding to the blue laser light (hereinafter referred to as "HDDVD layer") and the recording layer corresponding to the red laser light (hereinafter referred to as "DVD layer"), in the stacking direction.
In the next generation DVD (hereinafter referred to as "hybrid next generation DVD"), the DVD layer is positioned first when seen from the laser light entering side. The same format as that for the existing DVD is applied to the DVD layer. The information indicating that the HDDVD layer additionally exists behind the DVD layer is not held in the DVD layer. Therefore, when drawing process is performed on the DVD layer, the disc is handled as a DVD with a single recording layer.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-346348 discloses an optical disc having two recording layers and a driving device for the same.
The driving device is normally designed to perform the drawing process on the recording layer positioned first when seen from the optical pick up side. The reproduction process is performed on the relevant recording layer if the lead-in information can be read from the recording layer. When the hybrid next generation DVD is loaded on this type of driving device, reproduction on the DVD layer arranged on the optical pick up side is carried out. However, the information indicating that the HDDVD layer is present is not held in the DVD layer, as mentioned above. Thus, the reproduction process similar to that when the DVD of single layer type is loaded is performed on the driving device side. In this case, the reproduction of the HDDVD layer may be missed although the HDDVD layer that may provide high capacity content is present.

Optical disc device and hybrid optical disc


This invention is directed toward a series of devices designed to scare away Great Blue Herons, raccoons, and other common koi pond predators through a combination of a motion detection system which triggers an auditory and/or movement response from a variety of common enemies of koi pond predators and fanciful creatures intended to frighten koi predators. The invention teaches the combination of the motion detector with the koi predator enemy replica, such that a koi pond user can economically and efficiently protect his/her pond without adversely impacting the visual appeal of a koi pond.

This invention is directed toward a series of devices designed to scare away Great Blue Herons, raccoons, and other common koi pond predators through a combination of a motion detection system which triggers an auditory and/or movement response from a variety of replicas of common enemies of koi pond predators. The invention teaches the combination of the motion detector with the koi predator enemy replica, such that a koi pond user can economically and efficiently protect a koi pond without adversely impacting the visual appeal of a koi pond.
People have been keeping koi and other ornamental fishes as pets for centuries. One of the more popular methods of keeping koi is to place them in an outdoor pond. Ponds, ranging in size from several feet across to several acres, can be constructed anywhere the air temperature allows the fish to survive winter temperatures.
While koi ponds have proven to be one of the more attractive ways to keep koi, there are inherent problems with locating large numbers of colorful, and therefore easily seen, fish in an exposed, frequently shallow, outdoor pond. Predators such as raccoons and herons can empty a koi pond in less than an hour, consuming, in the case of valuable species, hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of fish in one feeding session.
Repelling these predators has become a major concern for koi pond owners. Among the methods used in past have been plastic animals, wire systems, and netting systems. The least expensive method is to put a plastic replica of a natural enemy of the herons and raccoons near the pond, with the hope that the plastic animal will deter the raccoon or heron from approaching the pond. Most popular among these are plastic great horned owls, available at many hardware and home improvement stores, which are placed around the pond, in a tree overlooking the pond, or on a roof above the pond. Also being used are plastic alligator heads, which float on the surface of the water, and floating pelicans, although it is questionable how many koi predators would be deterred by a pelican. Disadvantages of plastic replicas include the fact that because they don't move, particularly in response to a movement of the predator, the predator can become accustomed to the presence of the predator replica. Another disadvantage is that there are such a limited number of natural enemies of koi predators, there is a danger that the replica a koi pond owner buys will not be seen by the koi predator as a danger. For example, it is questionable whether a Great Blue Heron in California would recognize a plastic alligator as a natural enemy, since there are no naturally occurring alligators west of the Mississippi. A final disadvantage is that the plastic replicas are often not realistically painted so that a koi predator, given the time to examine the replica, could determine that the replica was indeed a fake animal. The time a koi predator has to examine the replica is key; if the predator is scared away before it can examine the replica, the replica can serve as an effective deterrent for generations of koi predators. If a koi predator has enough time to assess the enemy replica and determine it presents no threat, this fact can be passed on to its young and within several generations the enemy replica can become virtually useless as a deterrent.
Another approach to protecting a pond is to prevent or inhibit access to the pond by koi predators. One such approach is a wire system, involving a series of wires cross-linked above the pool, such as that found in US Patent application 20040119058 to Burdick (2004). The main disadvantage of wire systems are visual impairment and access limitations. Even though these inventions use thin wire, there still remains a series of wires across the pond, which detracts from the visual appeal of the colorful fish swimming beneath the wires. The wire systems can also inhibit the ability of a pool owner to access the pond to tend water plants, clean a filter, or even feed the fish. Additionally, many of the common plastic liner ponds allow a user to catch the fish and put them in a bucket, then drain the pond, remove it from its hole, and clean it before reinserting it, filling it with water, and putting the fish back in. A wire system would have to be taken down before such actions, thereby adding to the inconvenience factor in cleaning a pond. A final problem presented by wire systems is the chance that a koi predator, particular a heron, egret or other large bird, will become entangled in the wire and die or injure itself. Most koi owners wish no harm on the koi predators—which are just trying to eat—and would prefer to use a system which does not harm the predators. Additionally, a homeowner may run afoul of fish and wildlife laws if a protected animal dies or is injured in such a device.
Netting systems work on a principal similar to wire systems: a physical screen that keeps a koi predator from accessing the koi pond. Unlike the wire systems that are installed directly above and around the pond, netting systems are usually strung eight to twenty feet above the pond, and create a small "house" around the koi pond. Like the wire systems, netting systems are meant to be unobtrusive, and made from thin mesh netting that will withstand the rigors of an outdoor setting. Thin mesh will also cast as little shade as possible. At the same time, the shading provided by a netting system can inhibit the growth of pond plants, which usually do best in full sun, and should the screen be ripped during a windy day or rainstorm, the koi predators can gain easy access. Netting systems also pose the danger of entangling koi predators, which raise the same moral and legal problems as do wire systems.
Another approach used in the past is to have a motion detector trigger an "enemy replica" to move such that an animal will be scared away. The prior art discloses two inventions which combine motion detection with a response designed to frighten away animals. U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,063 to Peterson (1995) teaches a complex system of microwave, radar, or other signal generation and receiving arrangements which trigger responses, including noise, light, and motion from objects, including predator bird replicas, upon a bird's triggering the motion detection systems. This invention is directed toward a method of keeping birds from landing on a polluted pond or wetlands area, and is relatively complex and costly. It is also fairly fixed in place and although there is some flexibility in the computer-programmed responses, the system is not readily or economically adaptable to the home koi pond environment, where different situations and seasons may require the moving or rearranging of the predator enemy replicas.
The Scarecrow by Bird-X, a company specializing in bird repellant devices, is basically a sprinkler head hooked up to a pressurized water hose with a motion detector that, when detecting motion, opens a valve which releases a three-second burst of water intended to scare away koi predators. The Scarecrow, because it is hooked up to a pressurized water source, is subject to the leaks, burst washer gaskets, and exploding hoses that are inherent to a constantly pressurized system. Since there is a wide range of garden hoses, varying in quality from reinforced hoses that can withstand constant pressurization to cheaper models which balloon out, split, leak, and otherwise malfunction under any kind of extended water pressure, inventions such as The Scarecrow may result in substantial damage (and high water bills) due to malfunctioning of devices, such as hoses, upon which they rely. The Scarecrow is also designed such that the water jets out directly above the motion detector, thereby subjecting the internal electrical parts to potentially severe conditions should water seep inside of the motion detector. In addition, the Scarecrow could cause a burst of water to touch the koi predator, which in the case of a Great Blue Heron and other waterfowl, could be viewed by the US Department of Fish and Game or the state or local law enforcement divisions as a violation of the law. Finally, the Scarecrow also provides only one response—a three-second burst of water—which may allow some koi predators to become accustomed to it, thereby decreasing its effectiveness.
Thus there has existed a long-felt need for a self-contained, inexpensive invention which can scare away koi predators, not visually impair the enjoyment of the koi pond, or physically impair a user's ability to access the koi pond, and rely upon neither external hoses or other common garden items that are subject to wear and tear, nor complex and expensive computers and radar/microwave systems.
The current invention provides just such a solution by having a koi predator enemy replica which responds to the motions of the koi predator, thereby more accurately mimicking a real animal than those in the prior art. The invention also does not shade the pond, as does a netting system, nor does it result in visual impairment and physical limitations as does a wire system, and is fully self-contained, thereby making its arrangement.

Motion-responsive koi pond predator deterrent system and entertainment device


A connector includes a housing and a plurality of signal contacts and a plurality of ground contacts. Each contact includes a contact portion that contacts an object, a connection portion mounted on a substrate, and a fixing portion located between the contact portion and the connection portion in the vicinity of the connection portion. The signal contact and the ground contact are aligned and held in the housing, and the fixing portion is fixed to the housing. When the plurality of signal contacts are arranged between the ground contacts, at least two of the ground contacts are coupled and connected integrally or by a separate component, the coupling and connection being made in a section of each ground contact between one end (leading end) of the contact portion and the fixing portion, so that high-frequency transmission characteristics are improved.

The present disclosure relates to a connector for use in electrical equipment and electronic equipment, such as hard disk drives (HDD), solid state drives (SSD), PCs, and servers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a structure in which ground contacts are coupled and connected together for improvement of high-frequency transmission characteristics.


The invention is directed to an arrangement for checking the tightness of a vessel such as a tank system of a motor vehicle. The vessel can have a possible leak and this can be viewed as a first flow resistor. The arrangement includes a pressure source for generating a pressure change in the vessel and a pressure divider system is connected between the pressure source and the vessel which is subjected to the pressure change. The pressure divider system is defined by and includes the first flow resistor and a reference branch having a predetermined second flow resistor. A pressure sensor measures the pressure relationships in the pressure divider system. The invention provides a reliable statement as to a possible leak in the tank system of a motor vehicle while providing a simple and therefore cost effective manufacture. The pressure source used to check the tightness can be utilized for other tasks required in a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for checking the tightness of the vessel.

The California Environmental Authority (CARB) as well as United States federal authorities require an onboard diagnosis of the tank system in motor vehicles. Here, leaks of a specific size (for example, leaks greater than 1 mm in diameter) are to be detected.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,645 discloses an arrangement for checking the tightness of a motor vehicle tank system wherein the tightness check is performed with the aid of a pump volume flow divided into two paths. A first path is connected to the motor vehicle tank system; whereas, the second path is connected to the atmosphere via a reference leak in the form of a flow resistor of a specific size.
A flow sensor is installed in each of the paths and detects the flow along the corresponding path. A conclusion is drawn in an electronic circuit device as to the presence of a leak or the non-presence thereof based on a flow difference in the two paths.
Disadvantages are present with respect to this arrangement. On the one hand, two separate comparatively complex flow sensors are required in addition to the electronic circuit arrangement. Furthermore, the pump in this arrangement is only used for diagnostic purposes. However, a diagnosis is performed only rarely (approximately 1% of the entire driving operation). For this reason, the pump therefore has a disadvantageously low degree of use.

Arrangement and method for checking the tightness of a vessel


A diplexer for coupling plural electronic circuits to a common antenna, wherein the antenna has at least a portion which is in the shape of a rod. The diplexer includes a set of dielectric sleeves encircling the rod-shaped portion of the antenna. The diplexer is constructed of plural branches, each of which has a filter for passing signals in a portion of the spectrum different from the portions of the spectra passed by other ones of the branches. Inductors and capacitors employed in respective ones of the branches are formed by electrical elements disposed on surfaces of the sleeves. Such elements include bands of electrically conductive material which serve as plates of capacitors, and elongated conductive strips which serve as inductors. Resistive material may also be placed on surfaces of the sleeves for construction of resistors of the branches in the event that such resistors are required in the electrical filtering. In the case of a portable electronic component, such as a radiotelephone having a housing with an antenna extending therefrom, the construction of the diplexer provides for a compact configuration enabling use of the diplexer without enlargement of the housing and without inconvenience to a user of the radiotelephone.

It is desirable to manufacture a radiotelephone having two transceivers which are operative respectively in, by example, the 1900 MHz and 850 MHz frequency bands. By example, the 1900 MHz band may be used for TDMA (digital) communications, such as that specified by IS-136 or DCS1900 MHz of PCS, while the 850 MHz band may be used for analog (e.g., AMPS) communications. Such a radiotelephone requires a diplexer for separating RF (radio frequency) signals at the 1900 MHz and 850 MHz bands. The diplexer connects the antenna, typically in the form of a rod, with the two transceivers in the radiotelephone, one transceiver being operative at 1900 MHz and the other transceiver being operative at 850 MHz.
The addition to the radiotelephone of a further electrical component, such as a diplexer having a conventional configuration, may necessitate an increase in the physical size of the radiotelephone. This would create a problem in that it is generally desirable to decrease, rather than to increase the size of the radiotelephone. Thus, there is a need to fabricate the diplexer in a manner which avoids excessive increase in the size of the radiotelephone.


An elongated, cylindrical oil, water and gas separator with end closures for receiving a flowing mixture of oil, water and foamy gas improved by means for defoaming the gas, separating the oil, water and gas into distinct laminar layers and a means for absorbing the impetus and energy of the flowing water layer as it impacts the end closure near the water outlet conduit, and can include a heating means for reducing the viscosity of the mixture with increased heat exchange surface, an electric field through which the oil can flow downward for coalescing water droplets that may be entrained within the oil and further can contain a series of coalescing baffles having a spray jet washing system and hinged bottom segments to expedite cleaning and maintenance.

It is conventional to treat a flowing mixture of oil, water and foamy gas in an apparatus as described by Bull Patent No. 4,919,777 and while this apparatus has some of the elements of my invention it and other similar devices do not adequately address two specific problems which frequently occur in conventional devices but are not recognized and therefore remain unresolved, resulting in less than desirable performance relative to delivering pure products from the devise. The normal remedy to poor purification performance is to lower the flow rate through the devise and while this may improve the performance, this remedy will limit the amount of oil, water and gas that can be delivered to the pipelines and thus reduce income and profit.
The specific problems solved by this invention over and above the problems solved by conventional treaters are:
a) The problem of foamy gas bubbles skimming the surface of the oil which causes excessive oil carryover to the gas pipeline and further the foam bubbles will entrap water droplets that disengage from the gas in the clean oil area of the treater causing an increase in the amount of water carried over with the oil to the oil pipeline. PA1 b) And the problem of pent-up energy in the flowing water which if not contained will cause the water, upon impact against the end of the vessel, to splash into the oil layer similar to the way an ocean wave breaks against the shore. This pent-up energy problem is particularly prevalent in the longer cylindrical vessels where a lot of momentum is created by the water flowing, often at higher velocity than the oil, under the oil layer and being discharged through a relatively small outlet conduit controlled by a valve that opens and closes to control the water level. The splashing of the water into the oil layer unnaturally increases the amount of water being delivered with the oil to the oil pipeline.


A fluid jet head with driving circuit of a heater set. A first and a second primary transistor are coupled to a first and a second heater. When the first primary transistor is turned on under control of a first control voltage and a first current is generated flowing through the first heater, the first primary transistor, and the first current path, then the first primary transistor has a first primary equivalent resistance corresponding to the first control voltage. When the second primary transistor is turned on under control of a second control voltage, and a second current is generated flowing through the second heater, the second primary transistor, and a second current path, then the second primary transistor has a second primary equivalent resistance corresponding to the second control voltage. Therefore, the thermal energy generated by the first heater is substantially equal to that generated by the second heater.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to fluid jet heads, and more particularly to fluid jet heads with driving circuit of a heater.
2. Description of the Related Art
Technological advancements have led to the wide use of fluid jet heads in application of inkjet heads of inkjet printers. Thermal driver bubbles, especially, are a commonly adapted method in inkjet head design for ejecting ink droplets. The reason for the wide use of inkjets using such method can be accredited to the simplicity in design, low production costs, and ability to separately output uniformly sized ink droplets.
FIG. 1 shows a bubble jet head having discharging mechanism according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,519, which includes a heater 102, a MOSFET 104, and a pull-down resistor 106. Heater 102 is electrically connected to the drain of MOSFET 104, and pull down resistor 105 is electrically connected to the gate of MOSFET 104. When MOSFET 104 goes from an on to an off state, the remaining charge left on the gate is discharged via resistor 106 to ground in specified periods. Thus, the error situations resulting from the continuing ejection of ink droplets from the corresponding nozzles in case of MOSFET turning off too late can be prevented.
However, in one embodiment of the U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,519, pull-down resistor 106 is a snake-shaped resistor formed by conducting materials. Between the snake-shaped resistor and the substrate, there exists a SiO2 insulation layer. Since pull-down resistor 106 does not come in direct contact with the substrate, which has a thermoconductivity of 160 W/mk, but rather forms direct contact with the SiO2 of thermoconductivity 1.4 W/mK. Thus, the disadvantage of the pull down resistor is that it is not very efficient in heat dissipation. Also, another disadvantage of inkjet head disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,604,519 is that, due to the size of the snake-shaped resistor, large chip areas are needed to accommodate the size.
FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an inkjet head capable of producing same heat energy from every heater. Since each heater is positioned different in location, the length of the trace connecting to the two ends of every heater 56 is different. The parasitic resistance on the two ends of every heater 56 is thus different. This difference in parasitic resistance in turn causes the current flowing thought heater 56 to be different, and as a result, the heat energy produced by heater 56 is also different. Consequently, under U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,917, the parasitic resistance on two ends of each heater 56 is compensated through adjusting the channel width of MOSFET 85 cascaded under heater 56 (and thereby adjusting the channel resistance). However, the disadvantage of U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,917 is that the inkjet head is not equipped with the capability to discharge the charge remaining on the gate of the MOSFET
Thus, being able to design a fluid jet capable of effectively discharging the charge remaining in the gates of transistors to ground quickly in order to increase the fluid jet head operation speed, while compensating the parasitic resistances associated with the two ends of every heater is one of the goals that the industry has been trying hard to achieve.

Fluid jet head with driving circuit of a heater set


One embodiment includes a vertical n-channel power MOSFET for an output stage and a horizontal p-channel MOSFET for controlling the vertical n-channel power MOSFET are disposed on a single semiconductor substrate. The horizontal p-channel MOSFET has Psd (a p+-type source region and a p+-type drain region) formed in a self-aligning manner at a gate electrode. The Psd has p+-type diffusion regions disposed therein causing the Psd to partially have a high impurity concentration. The p+-type diffusion regions are connected to respective metal wiring layers through contact holes that are formed by ion implantation concurrently with a p+-type diffusion region of the vertical n-channel power MOSFET and that have a width narrower than conventional contact holes. In this way, contact properties can be improved between the metal wiring layer and a semiconductor portion and size reductions can be achieved.

1. Field of the Invention
The embodiments discussed herein are related to a semiconductor device and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device.
2. Description of the Related Art
A power semiconductor device is conventionally known in which a vertical power semiconductor device and a horizontal semiconductor device configuring a control/protection circuit (circuit unit) of the vertical power semiconductor device are disposed on a single semiconductor substrate (semiconductor chip) to increase reliability and reduce size and cost (see, e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication Nos. 2002-359294 and 2000-091344). The structure of a conventional semiconductor device will be described taking as an example, a power semiconductor device in which a vertical n-channel power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) for an output stage and a horizontal complementary MOS (CMOS) for a control circuit are disposed on a single semiconductor substrate.
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a structure of a conventional semiconductor device. The semiconductor device depicted in FIG. 25 is an example of a power semiconductor device in which a vertical MOSFET of trench gate structure is disposed as a vertical n-channel power MOSFET 121 for an output stage. FIG. 25 depicts only a horizontal p-channel MOSFET 122 among the horizontal p-channel MOSFET 122 and a horizontal n-channel MOSFET complementarily connected to configure a horizontal complementary CMOS for a control circuit (similarly in FIGS. 26, 27, 28, and 29). In the vertical n-channel power MOSFET 121, an n−-type semiconductor layer 102 acts as a drift region. In the n−-type semiconductor layer 102, a p-type base region 106 is selectively disposed. In the p-type base region 106, both an n+-type source region 107 and a p+-type diffusion region 108 are selectively disposed.
The p+-type diffusion region 108 is connected to a source electrode 110 through a contact hole 110a that penetrates an interlayer dielectric 109 in a depth direction and reaches the p+-type diffusion region 108, and acts as a contact region electrically connecting the n+-type source region 107 and the source electrode 110. On the other hand, in the horizontal p-channel MOSFET 122 configuring a horizontal CMOS, the n−-type semiconductor layer 102 acts as a base region. In the n−-type semiconductor layer 102, both a p+-type source region 112 and a p+-type drain region 113 are selectively disposed. The p+-type source region 112 and the p+-type drain region 113 are p+-type diffusion regions (source/drain regions (Psd)) that have a relatively high impurity concentration and are formed at respective end portions of the gate electrode 115 in a self-aligning manner by ion implantation using, as a mask, a gate electrode 115 disposed on the n−-type semiconductor layer 102 via a gate insulating film 114.
The p+-type source region 112 is connected to a source electrode 116, which is a metal wiring layer, through a contact hole 116a that penetrates the interlayer dielectric 109 in the depth direction and reaches the p+-type source region 112 to thereby form a source terminal of the horizontal p-channel MOSFET 122. The p+-type drain region 113 is connected to a drain electrode 117, which is a metal wiring layer, through a contact hole 117a that penetrates the interlayer dielectric 109 in the depth direction and reaches the p+-type drain region 113 to thereby form a drain terminal of the horizontal p-channel MOSFET 122. Reference numerals 101, 103 to 105, and 111 denote an n+-type semiconductor layer (drain region), a trench, a gate insulating film, a gate electrode, and a drain electrode, respectively, of the vertical n-channel power MOSFET 121. Reference numeral 120 denotes a local oxidation of silicon (LOCOS) film.
A method of manufacturing the conventional semiconductor device depicted in FIG. 25 will be described. FIGS. 26, 27, 28, and 29 are cross-sectional views of states during manufacturing of the conventional semiconductor device. First, as depicted in FIG. 26, on the front surface side (on the n−-type semiconductor layer 102 side) of a semiconductor wafer formed by stacking the n+-type semiconductor layer 101 and the n−-type semiconductor layer 102, a MOS gate (an insulating gate made of metal oxide film semiconductor) structure that is made up of the p-type base region 106, the n+-type source region 107, the trench 103, the gate insulating film 104, and the gate electrode 105 is formed in a formation region of the vertical n-channel power MOSFET 121. Subsequently, on the front surface of the semiconductor wafer, the gate electrode 115 is formed in a formation region of the horizontal p-channel MOSFET 122, via the gate insulating film 114.
On the front surface of the semiconductor wafer, a resist mask 131 is formed that is open from a portion corresponding to the formation region of the p+-type source region 112 to a portion corresponding to the formation region of the p+-type drain region 113 of the horizontal p-channel MOSFET 122. The resist mask 131 and the gate electrode 115 are used as a mask and ion implantation 132 of a p-type impurity is performed to form the p+-type diffusion regions (Psd) that become the p+-type source region 112 and the p+-type drain region 113 in a self-aligning manner at respective end portions of the gate electrode 115. After the resist mask 131 is removed, the p+-type diffusion regions that become the p+-type source region 112 and the p+-type drain region 113 are diffused by heat treatment.
Subsequently, as depicted in FIG. 27, a resist mask 133 is formed that has an open portion corresponding to the formation region of the p+-type diffusion region 108 of the vertical n-channel power MOSFET 121. By using the resist mask 133 as a mask, ion implantation 134 of a p-type impurity is performed to form the p+-type diffusion region 108 inside the p-type base region 106. After the resist mask 133 is removed, the p+-type diffusion region 108 is diffused by heat treatment. Subsequently, as depicted in FIG. 28, the interlayer dielectric 109 is formed on the front surface of the semiconductor wafer. On the interlayer dielectric 109, a resist mask 135 is formed that has open portions corresponding to formation regions of the contact holes 110a, 116a, and 117a. Reference numeral 135a denotes an open portion of the resist mask 135.
The resist mask 135 is used as a mask and the interlayer dielectric 109 is etched to form the contact holes 110a, 116a, 117a. Subsequently, as depicted in FIG. 29, after the resist mask 135 is removed, a metal wiring layer made of aluminum (Al) is formed to be embedded in the contact holes 110a, 116a, 117a. This metal wiring layer is patterned to leave a portion as the source electrode 110 of the vertical n-channel power MOSFET 121 and portions as the source electrode 116 and the drain electrode 117 of the horizontal p-channel MOSFET 122. On the entire back surface of the semiconductor wafer (the surface on the n+-type drain region side), a back surface electrode 111 is formed as a drain electrode of the vertical n-channel power MOSFET 121. Subsequently, the semiconductor wafer is diced (cut) into individual chip shapes to complete the conventional semiconductor device depicted in FIG. 25.
As a method of manufacturing a single unit of a vertical MOSFET, a method has been proposed that includes performing ion implantation using, as a mask, a contact hole of a MOS transistor to form a high-concentration diffusion region (see, e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-057333). As another method of manufacturing a single unit of a vertical MOSFET, the following method has been proposed. In an n−-type epitaxial layer, a p+-type diffusion layer is provided as a back gate region and an n+-type diffusion layer is provided as a drain region. In the p+-type diffusion layer (the back gate region), an n++-diffusion layer is provided as a source region along with a p++-diffusion layer. The p++-diffusion layer is formed by two ion implantation steps according to a shape of a contact hole and has an impurity concentration that is adjusted in a surface portion and a deep portion thereof (see, e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2007-067127).
Nonetheless, there is demand for reductions in the size and cost of a power semiconductor device in which a vertical power semiconductor device and a circuit unit are disposed on a single semiconductor substrate. To meet such demands, studies are being conducted to reduce chip size by reducing the size of the circuit unit (a control/protection circuit of the vertical power semiconductor device) and the vertical power semiconductor device through reduction of ON resistivity (RonA) per unit area; however, the following problem occurs.
If a contact size (a contact area between a metal wiring layer and a p+-type diffusion region) of the horizontal p-channel MOSFET 122 making up a horizontal CMOS for a control circuit is made smaller so as to reduce the size of the circuit unit, this leads to deterioration in contact properties between the metal wiring layer and a semiconductor portion, such as a rise in contact resistivity (i.e., ON resistivity) of the metal wiring layer and the p+-type diffusion region (i.e., the source electrode 116 and the p+-type source region 112, and the drain electrode 117 and the p+-type drain region 113). Therefore, to reduce the size of the circuit unit, measures have to be taken to improve the contact properties between the metal wiring layer and the semiconductor portion of the horizontal p-channel MOSFET 122; however, a problem of increased process cost newly arises.
On the other, if the resist mask 133 is used for forming the p+-type diffusion region 108 as described above, the vertical n-channel power MOSFET 121 has the following problem. FIGS. 30, 31, and 32 are cross-sectional views of a state in which mask displacement occurs during manufacturing of a conventional semiconductor device. As depicted in FIG. 30, if the position of an open portion 133a of the resist mask 133 for forming the p+-type diffusion region 108 is displaced from a predetermined position (in FIG. 30, mask displacement to the right as indicated by a white arrow), the p+-type diffusion region 108 is formed at a position displaced from the predetermined position by an amount corresponding to the amount of displacement of the resist mask 133.
As depicted in FIG. 31, if the position of the open portion 135a of the resist mask 135 for forming the contact hole 110a is displaced in a direction opposite to the displacement direction of the open portion 133a of the resist mask 133 (in FIG. 31, a mask displacement to the left as indicated by a white arrow), the contact hole 110a is formed at position away from the p+-type diffusion region 108. In this state, the p+-type diffusion region 108 may not be exposed in the contact hole 110a depending on the extent of the mask displacement. In this case, as depicted in FIG. 32, the source electrode 110 (metal wiring layer) does not contact the p+-type diffusion region 108 (a portion indicted by reference numeral 141), and the contact properties deteriorate between the metal wiring layer and the semiconductor portion.
Therefore, to make the source electrode 110 and the p+-type diffusion region 108 contact each other, device design has to be performed using device dimensions that ensure margins for displacement of the resist mask 133 for forming the p+-type diffusion region 108 and the resist mask 135 for forming the contact hole 110a. For example, a width of the contact hole 110a (width in the direction of arrangement of the trench 103; hereinafter, simply referred to as the width) must be set to a wide width obtained by adding a margin for mask displacement. However, particularly in vertical MOSFETs of a trench gate structure having a small cell pitch and contact size, ensuring the margins for mask displacement further inhibits reductions in size.

Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device


An improved method is disclosed for forming a strata of overlapping sheets suitable for use in a pop-up dispensing system. The sheets are cut from ribbons which initially have edges essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ribbon. At least one side edge of each ribbon is stretched to form a knee-like protrusion, with the opposing side edge being either, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ribbon, or also stretched to form one or more knee-like protrusions on the opposing edge. The ribbons are then aligned so that a knee-like protrusion on one edge aligns with either the essentially parallel edge of an adjacent ribbon or a knee-like protrusion on the side edge of an adjacent ribbon. After phasing, the ribbons are overlapped creating a series of predetermined areas of greatest overlap adjoining areas of least or no overlap, such that successive ribbons are bonded only by the interfacial interaction between each ribbon. By overlapping multiple ribbons in this manner a strata is formed which is then folded to interleave the ribbons. A resulting stack of interleaved ribbons is cut in a direction essentially normal to the longitudinal axis of the ribbons at predetermined intervals to form blocks of individual interleaved sheets. The process can be accomplished manually or in a continuous production process.

Disposable towelettes and similar sheet products, sometimes generally referred to as "wipes", which are dispensed from a container, or from individually wrapped packages, have become a fixture in today's society. For example, wipes are used for hygienic purposes as well as routine, nonhygienic cleaning and wiping. The size, shape, thickness, durability, moisture content, and lotion content of the wipe can all be adjusted for a variety of uses, and the versatility of such products has contributed to the popularity of wipes in general.
Due to the variety of uses for sheet products such as wipes, they have taken on numerous physical forms, and their dispensing mechanisms have likewise been varied. There are a variety of dispensing mechanisms that involve containers and some that do not. For example, rolls of dry paper towels and toilet paper do not require containers because of their low moisture content. "Dry" sheet products often include lotions or other additives and are not necessarily moisture free. Rather "dry" sheet products are sheets with low moisture content that are generally dry to the touch of an average consumer. Paper towels and toilet paper are generally in the form of rolled continuous sheets with perforations defining the individual leaves. A consumer unrolls the number of leaves that he or she needs and tears them from the roll along the perforations between leaves.
Often sheets are premoistened with lotions, cleansing agents or the like. A popular method for dispensing moistened sheets, "wet wipes", is a combination of the perforated roll and the container dispenser. Ribbons of sheets are often perforated, rolled, placed in a rigid container and then lotions and/or cleansing agents are added. For dispensing, individual wet wipes are generally pulled through a small aperture in the container and then torn along the perforations to remove the sheet. Problems with such arrangements can arise as the dispensing aperture is typically small to minimize evaporative loss of moisturizing agent from the products closest to the top. The smaller sized aperture, in turn, requires an increase in force to withdraw the wipe from the dispenser. The increased force can result in premature tearing of perforations between products to be dispensed, or may require designing perforations with increased resistance to tearing, thereby requiring additional force by the user to separate a product for use. Often, two hands are required to extract a treated or "wet wipe" (i.e. one hand to remove a wipe and the other to secure the container while the wipe is being removed from the container and torn from the next wipe). Unfortunately, however, sheet products such as wipes are often needed when only one hand is available (e.g. when cleaning an infant), which makes perforated wipes dispensed from a container an undesirable combination.
Another common form of wipes that are not dispensed from a rigid container includes the individual prepackaged wet wipes often handed out at restaurants or on airplanes. These wet wipes are often folded and placed in individual moisture resistant pouches, then lotion and/or a cleansing agent is added, and the pouch is heat sealed. The consumer tears open the package to use the wipe, and then disposes of both the pouch and the wipe. Typically, this is also a two-handed operation, and there is considerable waste created in the form of the individual pouches, making this method of packaging and dispensing undesirable as well.
For generally dry sheets, a known manner of dispensing individual (i.e. pre-cut, interfolded, non-perforated) sheets is through a dispensing container. The dispensing container can be a box with a lid that is opened each time a sheet is needed, it can be a box with a lid and an aperture that individual sheets are pulled through, or it can be a combination of both a lid and an aperture. Generally dry sheets dispensed through a box with an aperture are typically rectangular and interfolded. Tissues and paper towels in restrooms are often dispensed in this manner.
As currently practiced, dispensing an interfolded sheet involves pulling one edge of an essentially rectangular sheet away from the dispenser. The interleaved portion of the two sheets serves to pull the adjacent portion of the next sheet due to the interfacial interaction of the two sheets at the overlap area. After the first sheet has been completely pulled through the aperture the two interfolded sheets begin to quickly separate. When the two sheets are completely separated, there should be a sufficient amount of the second sheet extending outside of the dispensing aperture to allow easy subsequent access to the second sheet. The portion of the second sheet remaining above the dispenser is commonly referred to as the "tail".
Dry sheets or tissues dispensed in this manner generally have a large overlap area consisting of an entire side of the rectangular sheet interfolded with an edge of the next sheet. However, as moisture is added to a sheet product, the large surface area of overlap often results in excessive interactive forces between the two sheets, causing a second sheet to be dispensed along with the first sheet due to the larger force required to separate the two sheets. Decreasing the surface area of overlap is difficult because this decreases the adhesive force, which controls the amount of the second sheet removed from the dispenser (to provide the "tail" for subsequent dispensing).
Currently, sheets that are moist, thick and non-woven, cannot be dispensed by interleaving the sheets, as, due to the adhesion between sheets caused by the presence of high levels of moisture, the force required to separate two sheets is so great that multiple sheets are often dispensed with one pull (sometimes called "chaining"). Therefore, the sheets are typically folded individually and stacked one on top of the other and placed in a dispensing container. This dispensing method is less than optimal because there is no convenient tail to grab when a sheet is needed, generally resulting in a two-handed dispensing procedure.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,118 to Muckenfuhs (the '118 patent), discloses a series of designs for sheets that can be folded and used in a pop-up dispensing mechanism without the dispensing difficulties discussed above. The entire disclosure of the '118 patent is hereby incorporated herein by reference. An improved sheet design and method for forming sheet products, as described in the '118 patent, for use in pop-up dispensing applications is provided herein.
Automated methods for folding a series of continuous ribbons into a continuous strata of overlapping sheets for use in a pop-up dispensing system are known to the art. Machines of this type have been used for folding continuous ribbons that have edges which are essentially straight and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ribbons, e.g. tissues. Once the ribbons are interfolded, interleaved continuous stacks are produced, which are cut into blocks suitable for use in a pop-up dispenser.
Clearly, prior devices separately teach specific folding means, but continuing enhancement of sheet products for improved pop-up dispensing performance, as well as a better method for economically and efficiently producing such products, has been needed. There is a continuing need for improved sheet products and a method of manufacturing sheets that can be used effectively in a pop-up dispensing system. Further, there is a need for an improved process whereby ribbons can be, stretched, overlapped accurately and consistently, folded and cut into sheets for use in a pop-up dispensing system.

Sheet products for use in a pop-up dispenser and method for forming from stretched ribbons


A toner containing a binder resin including a unit of a polyester resin I having an amino group and another unit of a polyester resin II having an anion functional group and a coloring agent, wherein the toner is manufactured by dissolving or dispersing the polyester resin I, the polyester resin II and the coloring agent in an organic solvent to obtain an oil phase, dispersing the oil phase in an aqueous medium and removing the organic solvent followed by drying.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a toner, and a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus using the toner.
2. Discussion of the Background
Toner for use in forming images by electrophotography, etc. is typically a heat fusion powder in which a coloring agent is dispersed in a natural or synthetic resin. Therefore, the toner image transferred to a recording medium after development is fused and fixed thereon upon application of heat and pressure.
A heat roller system is widely used as the fixing system for use in dry development in terms of the energy efficiency. Recently, the heat energy provided to the toner during fixing has been decreasing by using a toner having a low temperature fixing property to save energy. Technology Procurement Project for the next generation photocopier was set in the DSM (demand-side Management) programs of IEA (International Energy Agency) in 1999. The requirement by the Project was published and it said that drastic energy saving should be achieved in comparison with typical photocopiers. To be specific, with regard to a photocopier having a speed of 30 cpm or higher, the waiting time is within 10 seconds and the consumption energy during stand-by is from 10 to 30 Watt (depending on the photocopying speed). Therefore, lowering the toner fixing temperature during actual use by lowering the fixing temperature of toner is considered to be an unavoidable technology to satisfy the requirement and minimize the waiting time. In an attempt to deal with the technology issue of lowering the fixing temperature of toner, a polyester resin has been used instead of a styrene acryl based resin, which has been diffused as a binder resin for toner, because the polyester resin has an excellent low temperature fixing property and mechanical strength while also having a relatively good high temperature preservability.
For example, unexamined published Japanese patent application No. (hereinafter referred to as JOP) 2002-351143 describes a technology in which toner particles are granulated by dissolving a polyester having an end modified by an isocyanate group and an unmodified polyester in an organic solvent to obtain an oil phase and adding a diamine compound when dispersing the oil phase in an aqueous dispersion to conduct isocyanate elongation reaction. In this method, mechanical strength is imparted to the toner by a cross-linked structure formed due to urea linkage of the isocyanate modified polyester. In addition, by designing the unmodified polyester to have a relatively low molecular weight, impregnation of toner on paper during fixing is accelerated, which leads to amelioration of the low temperature fixing property of the toner.
However, a single component toner formed of the toner manufactured as described above easily causes problems of production of abnormal images having streaks, uneven density, background fouling, etc. especially when images are continuously output because the toner particles tend to be insufficiently charged and crack or deform under the pressure by a toner regulation member, resulting in attachment of the toner to the toner regulation member or deterioration of chargeability. The mechanism of these problems is not clear but it is inferred that since the elongation agent such as the diamine compound to conduct elongation reaction has a high polarity, the elongation agent tends to detach into the aqueous phase or move to the interface between the oil phase and the aqueous phase. Therefore, the elongation reaction proceeds unevenly and insufficiently so that the toner does not have a strong mechanical strength. Furthermore, the elongation agent such as the diamine compound which tends to have a significant impact on the chargeability is present around the surface of the toner particles. Therefore, the toner is placed under mechanical stress, which deforms the toner surface. When the inside of such deformed toner is exposed, the toner is not uniformly charged because such deformed toner particles have different chargeability from other toner particles. This is another thinkable cause for the background fouling.

Toner, and process cartridge and image forming apparatus using the same


A multilevel converter for controlling a multilevel converter is provided. The multilevel converter is a single phase converter with one phase leg, or a three phase converter with three phase legs, the phase legs of the three phase converter are interconnected in a star-configuration. The single phase converter with one phase leg, or each three phase converter with three phase legs, phase leg includes switching cells, and each switching cell includes semi-conductor switches arranged to selectively provide a connection to a corresponding energy storage element. The converter also includes a controller, which is provided to monitor the DC voltage of the energy storage elements, and the controller is provided to control the switching of each switching cell. The phase leg of the single phase converter, or each phase leg of the three phase converter, includes two parallel branches of switching cells, the branches being configured in a closed circuit.

The invention relates to the field of voltage source converters and especially multilevel converters. Voltage source converters (VSC) have changed power transmission and distribution and using power electronics including semiconductor switching elements that can be turned off, such as IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) have found great use for DC transmission, reactive power compensation, control of active as well as reactive power, being able to create AC voltage out of DC voltage by means of switching control, and for converting AC to DC etcetera.
The multilevel converter technique, employing many voltage levels, wherein each voltage level being individually switched, can be used to create AC voltage from DC in small voltage steps providing a stepped voltage curve much closer to a sinus curve than the previous use of two level and three level converters. Often, the energy storage means used consists of capacitors but may also be batteries.
A problem that may arise is that voltages over individual energy storage means become too large or too low.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,532,575 (D1) describes a multilevel converter with means for balancing voltages of capacitors of the converter. D1 describes a multilevel converter primarily intended for use as a static VAr compensator (column 1, line 5-8). The multilevel converter includes three legs, one for each phase, of switching elements (GTO's 30, see FIG. 1), which switching elements (GTO's) are connected to tapping points of capacitors 20 (column 1, line 28-34). The multilevel converter also includes a control system 60 (column 7, line 48-65) that controls the switching of the GTO's. The control system monitors the voltages of the capacitors and (see column 8 line 32-64) if a voltage level of a capacitor is too high or too low, the control system (see abstract) adjusts the timing of the switching of those capacitors that have too low or too high voltage level, but do not change the switching timing of those capacitors that do not deviate. In this way the voltages of those capacitors that do not deviate is not affected (column 8, line 39), whereas the voltages of the deviating capacitors are balanced.
A document that describes a similar topology and switching control in a multilevel converter for a different purpose is U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,245 (D2). D2 describes a switching control arrangement for multilevel converters that counteract the harmonic content of the converter voltage or current by controlling the switching pattern of the switching devices, e.g. GTO's (see abstract). Especially, the switching pattern is changed by modifying the timing of the switching of the switching devices.
Thus, documents D1 and D2 describe two different goals achieved by adjusting the timing of the switching of the switching devices of a multilevel converter, i.e. balancing capacitor voltages and reducing harmonics, respectively. In the multilevel converters described in D1 and D2, the three phases have common energy storage elements, i.e. the three phase share capacitors.
Another known type of multilevel converters, are converters having a semiconductor switching element in a switching cell circuit having a half bridge or full bridge configuration. For example, two IGBTs are used in each switching cell in a half bridge configuration with a DC capacitor as energy storage element, and each IGBT is arranged in anti-parallel with its own diode.
In such multilevel converters that have separate energy storage elements for each phase, e.g. capacitors that belong to one phase, sharing of energy between the capacitors within a phase leg, or between capacitors of different phase legs, is difficult to achieve without affecting the power that is transferred to the power network.
Document WO2010/145706 (D3) provides a solution for balancing voltages of the energy storage elements of a delta connected multilevel converter, having serially connected switching cells with a corresponding energy storage element, arranged in three phase legs. In more detail, D3 describes a multilevel converter having delta connected phase legs and wherein the DC voltages of the switching cells of each of the phase legs are balanced by means of a balancing current circulating between the phase legs, and distributing energy between the energy storage elements of the phase legs. D3 describes an arrangement for exchanging power in a shunt connection with a three phase power network, which arrangement comprises a voltage source converter having three phase legs in a delta connection, wherein each leg comprises a series of switching cells (see abstract of D3). The electrical conditions of the three phases of the power network and the converter are measured and a control unit (19) is configured to determine if the phases are unbalanced. The control unit (19) determines a zero sequence current that indicates such an unbalance and uses this determined zero sequence current to control the switching cells to add a circulating current to the currents in the phase legs to counteract such an unbalance (see claim 1 of D3). The circulated current is driven inside the delta of the converter legs and moves energy inside the delta, between the legs without negatively affecting the power network, and avoids creating harmonics in the power network (see D3 page 4, lines 24-29).
In such a delta connected multilevel converter the phase legs handle the phase voltage and comprise a sufficient number of levels to handle the voltage level between the phases. A multilevel converter having phase legs connected in a star- or wye-topology would only need a sufficient number of levels to handle the line voltage between ground and the phase. Thus, a disadvantage with a delta topology compared to a wye-topology is that the number of levels needed is larger for handling the higher voltage differences. On the other hand, a disadvantage of making a wye connected converter legs in a multilevel converter having switching cells and corresponding energy storing elements is that using currents to move energy between the energy storing elements affects the power transmission network, since the three legs do not provide a closed circuit as in a delta connected multilevel converter.

Multilevel converter and a method for controlling multilevel converter including balancing cell voltages


A mirror recoil preventing device suitable for a camera has a mirror and a mirror support frame. The mirror support frame movably supports the mirror in movement from a first position to a second position. In a camera having a photographic lens and a range finding element, the mirror guides light from the photographic lens to the range finding element when positioned at the second position. As a first alternative, the mirror support frame has a U-shaped groove at one end thereof. A regulating member is located in the vicinity of the second position to engage with the U-shaped groove when the mirror support frame is at the second position. As a second alternative, the mirror support frame has a leading edge and a trailing edge such that in movement from the first position to the second position, the trailing edge trails the leading edge. A first regulating member is located to be immediately adjacent to the leading edge of the mirror support frame when the mirror support frame is at the second position. A second regulating member is located to be immediately adjacent to the leading edge of the mirror support frame when the mirror support frame is at the second position.

1. Field of the Invention
The preferred embodiments of the present invention relate in general to a device which prevents mirror recoil. More specifically, the preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to a device which prevents mirror recoil in a photographic device such as a camera when a quick return type mirror is lowered.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional diagram of a conventional single lens reflex camera. A light ray 102, entering from a lens 101 mounted in a camera body 100, is reflected upward by a main mirror 1, and is guided to an eyepiece lens 104. The main mirror 1 has a semi-transparent portion, and a portion 102a of the light ray 102 passes through the semi-transparent portion of the main mirror, is reflected by a sub-mirror 2 and guided to a rangefinding element 103 in a lower portion of the camera body.
The main mirror 1 is fixed in a main mirror support frame 202. The main mirror support frame 202 has a hole 205 and is rotatably, axially supported with a rotary shaft fixed to the camera body 100. A shaft 206 and pins 207 and 208 are fixed to the main mirror support frame 202.
A pin 219 is fixed to the camera body 100. The pin 219 can engage with a U-shaped groove of the sub-mirror support frame 212. However, the pin 219 does not engage with the U-shaped groove of the sub-mirror support frame 212 in the position shown in FIG. 11. Eccentric pins 220 and 222 are mounted, and are capable of rotary adjustment, in the camera body 100. The sub-mirror 2 is fixed in a sub-mirror support frame 212. The sub-mirror support frame 212 is axially supported and rotatable around a shaft 206. A pin 215 is fixed to the sub-mirror support frame 212. A toggle spring 216 is suspended between pins 215 and 207 to urge the sub-mirror support frame 212 toward the eccentric pin 220. A mirror return spring 230 is suspended on the pin 208 and a pin 209 fixed to the camera 100 body, and urges the main mirror support frame 202 toward the eccentric pin 222.
Next, the operation of a conventional mirror return device will be described. When an exposure is completed by a well known method, the main mirror support frame 202 moves counter-clockwise around the hole 205 by the action of the mirror return spring 230. The main mirror support frame 202 thus returns to the position shown in FIG. 11. Then the sub-mirror support frame 212 and the eccentric pin 220 collide, and the main mirror support frame 202 and the eccentric pin 222 collide.
In the conventional device, when the sub-mirror support frame 212 and the eccentric pin 220 collide, the sub-mirror support frame 212 recoils in a counter-clockwise direction due to the impact. This recoil alters the direction and path length of portion 102a of light ray 102 travelling toward the rangefinder element 103. Thus, during recoil of the sub-mirror support frame 212, accurate rangefinding is not performed. Accurate rangefinding must be delayed until after cessation of the recoil. In autofocus mode, during tracking of a subject in continuous photography, the delay limits the number of photographs per unit time.


The method relates to bringing about a mixed state of at least two fluids in a second part (34) of a line, which have flowed through a first part (32) of this line. This is attained in that a fractional flow of the fluids is withdrawn from the second part (34) of the line at a point (43), and this fractional flow is resupplied to the second part (34) of the line at a different point (45). A employment to avoid clogs in modules in a crossflow filtration system is described, along with apparatuses for performing the employment.

The invention relates to a method for bringing about a mixed state of at least two fluids in a second part of a line that have flowed through a first part of this line, to a use of the method in a crossflow filtration system, and to an apparatus for performing the method.
Known crossflow filtration systems are embodied as multipass systems, in which a plurality of filtration modules are disposed in a plurality of filtration routes that are supplied in parallel. Such filtration routes are known as passes. These passes are fed in parallel with the fluids to be filtered from a distributor line. Each filtration module in turn includes a number of membrane tubules that carry filtration membranes and are subjected in parallel to the fluids to be filtered.
FIG. 1 shows a diagram of one such known crossflow filtration system. It includes nine passes 1. Each of which has four filtration modules 2. In each pass 1, the filtration modules 2 are connected in series with one another. The nine passes are supplied in parallel with fluids to be filtered through a distributor line 3. In the filtration modules 2, a fraction of the fluids is separated out in the form of permeate or filtrate, while the remaining fraction of the fluids is collected as retentate by a collecting line 4 and removed. The removal of the permeate is not shown here.
FIG. 1 shows two fluids 5 and 6 in the distributor line 3, with a parting boundary 7 between them. The fluids 5 and 6 occur when the retentate 6, after the conclusion of a filtration cycle, is positively displaced out of the filtration system by means of water. In the state shown, some of the filtration modules 2 and part of the collecting line 4 are already filled with water 5 as a consequence of the positive displacement, while others of the modules 2 and another part of the line 4 are still filled with retentate 6. Under these circumstances, it is known that individual membrane tubules or entire filtration modules 2 repeatedly become clogged, because the high-viscosity retentate 6 is no longer positively displaced out of the remaining modules 2 if the water 5, which has low viscosity, can flow out through some of the modules that have already been rinsed out.
If the pressure drop through the filtration modules 2 between the inlet 8 of the distributor line 3 and the outlet 9 of the collecting line 4 was still 5 bar, for example, before the water 5 was supplied, then in the state shown in FIG. 1, after rinsing out of the first pass 1, the pressure drop is reduced to approximately 3 bar, and it drops further as further passes 1 are rinsed out. The reduced pressure drop slows down the flow speed in the modules 2 that are still filled with retentate 6. A structural effect increases the high viscosity of the retentate 6 still further, until the flow comes to a stop. The remaining pressure drop of less than 3 bar is then no longer sufficient to positively displace the remaining retentate 6.
Known apparatuses have abated this problem by means of symmetrical distributors and/or very slowly opening water valves while the retentate supply is still open. In the first case, the parting boundary 7 reaches all the passes 1 at the same time, while in the second case the difference in viscosity of the fluid mixtures reaching the passes 1 at the same time is decreased.
Known symmetrical distributors are designed for only a maximum of four passes, for reasons of space and expense, and are usually combined with static mixers. Water valves that open slowly require regulating devices to allow them to reach a sufficiently slow reduction in the viscosity of the retentate. Idle flow zones that nevertheless remain can still cause clogging in this case, however.
Experience shows that despite the known provisions described, clogging of modules cannot be avoided. The situation is especially problematic in filtration systems with distributors for up to two hundred membrane tubes, which is equivalent to a standard industrial-scale system with ten passes.
It is therefore the object of the invention to bring about a mixed state of at least two fluids in a line that makes it possible for module clogging of the kind described to be effectively prevented.
According to the invention, in a method of the kind referred to at the outset, this object is attained in that at at least one point of the second part of the line, at least a fractional flow is withdrawn from the line, and that this fractional flow is returned to the second part of the line again after a time lag. The method is preferably embodied such that the fractional flow is returned to the second part of the line at the same point where it was withdrawn or at a point located upstream thereof.
As an apparatus for mixing fluids in a line, at least one side line is preferably used, which connects at least two points of the line, which are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the line, to one another and recirculates a fractional flow from the downstream line point to at least one of the upstream line points.
A use of the method of claim 1 for avoiding clogs in modules in a crossflow filtration system, in which at least two filtration routes (passes) that include modules are supplied in parallel with the fluids to be filtered from a distributor line, is distinguished in that the second part of the line is used as the distributor line for the passes.
Further variants of the method as well as its use and the apparatus for performing it are defined by the claims.