An integrated passive component device in which an anodized metal capacitor and a HTD capacitor are fabricated with a protective conductive metal layer disposed between the dielectric layer of the anodized metal capacitor and the dielectric layer of the HTD capacitor. The protective conductive metal layer helps to prevent process chemicals and conditions used to fabricate the dielectric layer of the HTD capacitor from adversely affecting the dielectric layer of the anodized metal capacitor. The anodized metal capacitor and the high temperature deposition capacitor are fabricated on the same substrate using only one masking operation.

The present invention relates generally to thin film integrated component devices, and more specifically to an improved fabrication process that involves fabricating both anodized metal capacitors and high temperature deposition (HTD) capacitors within the same device with a minimum number of mask operations.
Given the trend of the miniaturization of electronics for devices such as cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), the use of thin film integrated component devices is increasing. Active and passive components can be integrated on a thin film substrate material such as glass or ceramic. Integrated capacitors can be formed on the substrate in several ways. Examples of methods are the anodized metal method and the HTD method.
The anodized metal method of fabricating a capacitor on a thin film substrate consists of depositing a layer of conductive metal (e.g., aluminum, tantalum, or other anodizable metal) on the thin film substrate, coating the metal layer with a photoresist layer, and forming a metal oxide layer (i.e., the capacitor""s dielectric layer) from the metal layer. After the metal oxide layer is formed, the photoresist layer is stripped. The conductive metal layer and the metal oxide layer are then cleaned using an etching process and a final conductive metal layer is deposited to form the integrated capacitor.
The high temperature deposition method of fabricating a capacitor on a thin film substrate consists of depositing a conductive metal layer (e.g., aluminum) on the thin film substrate, followed by the deposition at high temperature of a dielectric layer (e.g., silicon nitride). A photoresist layer is deposited and the dielectric layer is then etched. A final conductive layer is deposited to form the integrated capacitor.
These two types of capacitors have distinctive properties, which are preferable depending upon the application. An anodized metal capacitor is preferable when a large capacitance is required. Because it is composed of high capacitance density material the desired capacitance can be realized with a capacitor of manageable size. Similarly, if a small capacitance is desired, using a high density capacitor would mean the size of the capacitor would have to be extremely small. In small capacitance applications, using a high temperature deposition capacitor (e.g., silicon nitride capacitor) is preferable.
For some applications it may be desirable to have both types of capacitor as part of the same integrated circuit. The integration of the devices is problematic in that the fabrication process of one device may cause defects in another device on the same substrate.
For example, if the anodized metal capacitor is fabricated first, then the etching process of the high temperature deposition capacitor may destroy the anodized metal layer of the capacitor. If the high temperature deposition capacitor is fabricated first, then the aluminum layer may experience hillocking. Hillocking may occur due to the deposition of the thin film dielectric which is done at temperatures above that at which the aluminum layer is deposited. This may cause the aluminum to recrystalize to relieve stress in the film. The recrystalization causes small hillocks (bumps) on the metal""s surface. These defects can cause the film to break when a potential is applied. Anodization is difficult to do successfully on aluminum with hillocks. The anodized layer on aluminum with hillocks is more likely to break down at lower voltages. Also, the hillocks can sometimes become sufficiently large so as to grind through the insulating levels and short-circuit a component.
An integrated passive component device is described comprising a first capacitor of a first of a first type and a second capacitor of a second type. A protective conductive metal layer is disposed between the dielectric layer of the first capacitor and the dielectric layer of the second capacitor. The protective conductive metal layer helps to prevent process chemicals and conditions, used to fabricate the dielectric layer of the second capacitor, from adversely affecting the dielectric layer of the second capacitor. The two types of capacitors are fabricated on the same substrate using only one masking operation.
An improved method for fabricating anodized capacitors and high temperature capacitors on the same device is also described. The improvement comprises depositing a protective conductive metal layer as the top conducting plate of the anodized capacitor. The protective conductive metal layer protects the anodized metal layer of the anodized metal capacitor from the etching process of the high temperature deposition capacitor.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows below.

Integration of anodized metal capacitors and high temperature deposition capacitors


The invention relates to chewing gums containing dipeptide sweetener, both in a sugar-free and in a sugar-containing form, and other chewable products. Improved flavor, in terms of both quality and persistence, in particular in the case of products which also contain flavorings based on aldehydes, is achieved when the dipeptide sweetener is a sweetening salt of an aspartic-acid-derived dipeptide sweetener and a derivative of a sweetening acid. The particle size of the sweetening salt is preferably smaller than 200 xcexcm, and the sweetening salt is preferably present in a quantity from 100 to 6000 ppm.

The invention relates to chewing gums containing dipeptide sweetener. The term xe2x80x9cchewing gumsxe2x80x9d as used in this application refers to all forms of chewing gum products and includes the normal chewing gums and the so-called xe2x80x9cbubble gumsxe2x80x9d, both in a sugar-free and in a sugar-containing form. The term xe2x80x9cchewing gumsxe2x80x9d also includes all other forms of chewable products sweetened with dipeptide sweetener, such as chewing tablets based on gum. The invention is intended to improve the flavour of such chewing gums, both insofar as the quality of flavour is concerned and also insofar as the persistence of the flavour is concerned. In particular the invention relates to chewing gum products sweetened with a dipeptide sweetener which contain flavourings based on aldehydes (i.e. the so-called aldehyde flavour products, or aldehyde flavourings). The term xe2x80x9caroma substancesxe2x80x9d is sometimes used instead of xe2x80x9cflavouringsxe2x80x9d.
Chewing gums sweetened with dipeptide sweetener are known and described in various patent publications, for example in WO-90/06689, where it is stated that the perception of flavour when consuming the chewing gum can be lengthened by adding spicy plant extracts (so-called xe2x80x9cspice ingredientsxe2x80x9d). WO-92/07473 describes chewing gums in which longer and improved flavour is achieved by using coated synergistic mixtures of the two intensive sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame-K; it also reports that there are less marked effects as regards stability problems which can arise with aspartame in the presence of aldehydes, ketones, moisture, etc. So-called Maillard reactions, for example, can occur. Such problems of course also affect the stability of the chewing gums during storage, the storage stability.
Chewing gums sweetened with dipeptide sweetener are commercially available, in various flavours, including aldehyde flavour or mint flavour, such as products from the Wrigley range, e.g. Wrigley""s Extra PlenTpak with cinnamon flavour and Wrigley""s Orbit with mint flavour.
For the purposes of this application xe2x80x9cdipeptide sweetenerxe2x80x9d means products with a sweetening power which is many dozens of times stronger than that of sugar, and which are made up of amino acids or derivatives of amino acids linked via a peptide bond. The best-known examples of dipeptide sweeteners are aspartame and alitame.
Aspartame (xcex1-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalaninemethylester), hereinafter also referred to as APM, is a dipeptide sweetener with a sweetening power which is approximately 200xc3x97 that of sucrose. Aspartame is used as an intense sweetener in many applications because of its good flavour properties and low-calorie characteristics. Aspartame is also widely used in chewing gums.
Alitame (L-xcex1-aspartyl-n-(2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3-thietanyl)-D-alanineamidehydrate), hereinafter also referred to as ALI, is a dipeptide sweetener with a sweetening power which is approximately 2000xc3x97 that of sucrose.
It is also known that dipeptide sweeteners in chewing gums are used in the form of blends, i.e. physical mixtures, with other sweeteners. See for example Patent WO-92/07473, already mentioned above, in which a (coated) blend of APM and acesulfame-K (the potassium salt of 6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazin-4(3H)-one-2,2-dioxide, hereinafter also referred to as Ace-K) is used.
As is to some extent already apparent from the foregoing, the use of dipeptide sweeteners in chewing gums etc., in particular in chewing gums which contain flavourings based on aldehydes, is impeded by problems resulting from the somewhat limited chemical stability of the dipeptide sweeteners, in addition to problems with regard to the fact that the release of the sweet taste in the relevant applications (the so-called xe2x80x9csweetness releasexe2x80x9d) is not optimal. WO-92/07473 and EP-A-0457724, for example, state that aspartame shows instability in the presence of aldehydes, ketones, moisture etc. This is already detrimental during the production of the chewing gums, but also detrimental to the storage stability of the products in which the said components are present together, as the sweetening power decreases as a result. Under such circumstances, as a result of unwanted reactions, there may also be discoloration of the (solid) products in which a dipeptide sweetener is incorporated.
In the prior art efforts have been made to find solutions with the aim of lengthening the perception of flavour when consuming chewing gums, and also with the aim of combating stability problems due to the presence of dipeptide sweetener in chewing gums, by for example providing the dipeptide sweetener with a coating, in an extra process step. This is described in EP-A-0461197, for example. As described in EP-A-0160607, for example, attempts have also been made to combat stability problems in chewing gums containing aldehydes, for example, by applying the dipeptide sweetener to the surface of the chewing gum. All this has disadvantages, however, in terms of the complexity of manufacture and requires additional process steps. In addition, so-called xe2x80x9chot spotsxe2x80x9d may occur in chewing gums which are sweetened with coated sweeteners. In order to improve these various aspects, blends of a dipeptide sweetener and another intense sweetener, such as acesulfame-K or saccharin, are therefore also used in chewing gums. When such blends are used, there will usually be different peaks in the perception of the sweetness during consumption of a chewing gum, because of differences in the sweetening profiles of the various sweeteners, and there is also a risk that a bitter or pungent flavour may be perceived at certain periods during consumption. In addition it should be noted that attempts have also been made to influence the profile of the release of sweetening power in chewing gums etc. by varying the particle size of the dipeptide sweetener used in these products (see for example EP-A-0427541), or by appropriate choice of the location of the sweetener in the chewing gum product to be sweetened (e.g. by powdering the outside of chewing gum strips with sweetener or by providing the chewing gum itself with a coating which is also sweetened and optionally contains an aldehyde aroma component, as is described for example in EP-A-0129584).
According to the prior art there is thus still no entirely satisfactory solution for producing a desired sweetness level and sweetening power profile in chewing gumsxe2x80x94in terms inter alia of the intensity, quality and persistence of the sweet taste perceptionxe2x80x94during the consumption time while chewing, and in addition the consumption time is generally found too short. This is especially the case when the chewing gums also have reduced storage stability (i.e. loss of sweetening power during storage).
There is therefore a need to provide chewing gums containing dipeptide sweetener with a lengthened and improved flavour. There is also a need for a method of producing such chewing gums with a lengthened and improved flavour in a simple way. In particular there is a need to improve the flavour quality and the persistence of the flavour of chewing gum products sweetened with a dipeptide sweetener which contain flavourings based on aldehydes.
Surprisingly, extensive research by the applicant has now yielded chewing gums containing dipeptide sweetener with outstanding flavour quality and persistence of flavour, where the dipeptide sweetener is a sweetening salt of an aspartic-acid-derived dipeptide sweetener and a derivative of a sweetening acid. It has been found that chewing gums with such a composition show a surprisingly long duration of the sweetening power during consumption and have very good flavour quality.
In particular it has also been found that chewing gum products sweetened with a dipeptide sweetener which contain flavourings based on aldehydes show a surprisingly long duration of the sweetening power during consumption and have very good flavour quality when the dipeptide sweetener is a sweetening salt of an aspartic-acid-derived dipeptide sweetener and a derivative of a sweetening acid. This is true both when the chewing gums are consumed shortly after their manufacture and when the chewing gums are stored for a long period, e.g. a few months, before being consumed. The storage stability of such products is therefore also considerably better than that of chewing gums sweetened with a (free or mixed) dipeptide sweetener.
Sweetening salts of an aspartic-acid-derived dipeptide sweetener and a derivative of a sweetening acid as meant here are described in CA-A-1027113 and ES-A-8604766, and also in Belgian patent application No. 9500836, which had not been prepublished on the priority date of the present application and which led to inter alia EP-A-0768041. Derivatives of sweetening acids as meant here are (derivatives of) organic acids corresponding to an intense sweetener which is not derived from aspartic acid. From none of the documents mentioned here, in which moreover possibilities of application for the sweetening salts in question are only indicated in very general terms without showing concrete applications, can it be inferred or expected that these sweetening salts in chewing gums have such a strong effect on the duration of the sweetening power during consumption or on flavour quality and stability. This is relevant not only in comparison with chewing gum products in which only a dipeptide sweetener is present as the sweetening component but also in comparison with chewing gum products in which the dipeptide sweetener is used in the form of a blend.
Examples of suitable sweetening salts which according to the invention can be used in chewing gums are: salts of aspartame (APM) or alitame (ALI) with acesulfamic acid (i.e. the acid derived from Ace-K), with saccharic acid (1,2-benz-isothiazol-3(2H)-one-1,1-dioxide) and with cyclohexylsulfamic acid (cyclamate). The most suitable one is the salt of aspartame and acesulfamic acid, hereinafter also referred to as APM-Ace or as the APM-Ace salt; particularly suitable is the exceptionally stable, non-hygroscopic product as obtained in solid form by the method in Belgian non-prepublished patent application No. 9500836. In said method aspartame and a salt of acesulphamic acid are allowed to react in an aqueous medium in the presence of a strong acid, and the APM-Ace formed is isolated from the reaction mixture.
The particle size of the sweetening salts which under this invention are used in the relevant chewing gums, and in particular the particle size of the sweetening salts as present at the time of manufacture of the chewing gums, is not particularly critical, but is generally not more than 500 xcexcm. The presence of larger particles in the chewing gum causes less homogeneous and less balanced release of the sweetening power during consumption. Use of a sweetening salt with a particle size  less than 350 xcexcm offers advantages in terms of the flavour quality of the chewing gum. The best flavour quality is achieved if the particle size of the sweetening salt is in the range  less than 100 xcexcm, but particles in the range 100-200 xcexcm also give products with excellent and lengthened flavour when used in chewing gums. In a number of cases somewhat better stability of the products is also obtained with sweetening salt particles in the range 100-200 xcexcm. By choosing the particle size of the sweetening salt to be used, the specialist can achieve further fine-tuning of the desired flavour quality and stability.
The content of sweetening salt in the chewing gums according to the invention can vary within a very wide range, but it should generally lie within the range from 100 to 6000 ppm (calculated relative to the total mass of the chewing gum).
It will be clear to the specialist that although chewing gums with a lengthened flavour are already produced according to the invention, the flavour profile of the chewing gum products can be further adjusted by adding additional small quantities of a separate intense sweetener or a blend of sweeteners, in addition to choosing the particle size of the sweetening salt. Accelerated emergence of the sweet flavour, the so-called xe2x80x9cup-front releasexe2x80x9d, can thus be achieved, for example. In addition, the flavour profile of the chewing gums can be further influenced by applying all or a proportion of the particles of the sweetening salt in the chewing gum in coated form, or by adding the additional small quantity of a separate intense sweetener (if one is used) to the chewing gum also partially or entirely in coated form. Application of part or all of the sweetener in coated form ensures an adapted profile of the release of the sweet flavour and can thus be regarded as a form of xe2x80x9ccontrolled releasexe2x80x9d. In addition, all the known techniques in relation to the technical shaping of the final product (the chewing gum) and/or the components to be incorporated, such as the sweetening salt, are of course also available to the specialist in order to achieve further desired flavour effects and/or aesthetic effects. Examples of such techniques in relation to the technical shaping of the components are granulation, grinding, freeze-drying, spray-drying, agglomeration etc. The invention is in no way limited with regard to the place where the sweetening salt used according to the invention is located in or on the chewing gum.
As is known and customary, chewing gums consist in large part (about 5 to 95% by wt) of a so-called xe2x80x9cgum basexe2x80x9d and all sorts of additives, such as aroma substances. The gum base generally consists of a combination of natural gums and/or synthetic elastomers and resins, and also contains softeners and (5 to 60% by wt) inorganic fillers. The gum base may also contain other components such as antioxidants, colorants and emulsifiers. Within the framework of the present invention the kind and nature of the components of the gum base is not critical, but it is self-evident that if aldehydes, ketones etc. are present in the gum base, there may be a detrimental effect on the properties of chewing gums which contain APM, for example, as sweetener. Furthermore, the chewing gums contain all sorts of flavourings which may originate from natural plant extracts or be obtained synthetically.
Examples of aldehyde flavourings which can be used in chewing gums are acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, anisaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, citral, xcex1-citral, xcex2-citral, decanal, ethyl vanillin, heliotropin (piperonal), vanillin, xcex1-amyl-cinnamaldehyde, citronellal, aldehyde C-8, aldehyde C-9, aldehyde C-12, trans-2-hexenal, veratraldehyde, etc.
Examples of ketones which can be used in chewing gum products are acetophenone, acetone, methyl-n-amylketone, p-hydroxyphenyl-2-butanone, xcex1-ionone, xcex2-ionone, methyl-3-butanone, 2-heptanone, o-hydroxy-acetophenone, 2-methyl-2-hepten-6-one, 2-octanone, 2-undecanone and 2-pentanone.
Besides the sweetening salts to be used according to the invention, food sugars and/or other sweeteners can also be present in the chewing gums according to the invention. Examples of these are aspartame, alitame, acesulfame-K, saccharinates, cyclamates, glycyrrhizin, thaumatin, monellin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (abbreviated to NHDC), sucralose, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, dextrins, maltitol, sucrose, dextrose, glucose syrups, fructose, fructose syrups, etc., or combinations thereof.

Chewing gum containing dipetide sweetener with lengthened and improved flavor

Abstract: The invention also relates to processes for production of such chewing gums.


Methods, apparatus and systems for large number multiplication. A multiplication circuit is provided to compute the product of two operands (A and B), at least one of which is wider than a width associated with the multiplication circuit. Each of the operands includes contiguous ordered word-wide operand segments (Aj and Bi) characterized by specific weights j (integer from 0 to k) and i (integer from 0 to m). The multiplication circuit executes a matrix of word-wide operand segment pair multiplication operations. Multiplication operations are performed on a pair of rows at one time. For each pair of rows, a pair of corresponding Bi word-wide operand segments are read from a memory and word-wide operand segment pair multiplication operations (Aj*Bi) are iteratively performed for each of k+2 columns. For each column a maximum of two additional memory read operations and one memory write operation is required.

Conventional multiplication hardware in, for example, a solid state device can have a size limitation, for example, a specified number of bits that can be handled at one time by the hardware. Typically, multiplication hardware is defined as having a pair of single-word operand inputs and a two-word result output. To carry out multiply-accumulate operations, the multiplier output can be connected to an accumulator, which typically is at least two-words plus one-bit wide. The supplemental bit can be part of the result, or simply be present as carry information indicating either an overflow in the case of addition, or an underflow in the case of subtraction, in the accumulate part of the operation.
In cryptography and other applications, there is a need to multiply very large integers including a large number of words. In order to perform these operations using operands that are much wider than the multiplication hardware, the operands can be sliced into one-word wide segments and fed into the hardware in some specified sequence. The segments are operated upon and the intermediate results are accumulated such that the final product is computed as a sum of cross-products of various weights. The word-wide operand segments as well as the partial results, are stored in a memory that is addressed by the multiplier hardware's operations sequencer. For example, a sequence can keep a first operand's segment constant while the operand's segments are scanned one word at a time into the multiplier, then the first operand increments to the next word-wide segment and the scan of the second operand is repeated.

Method and system for large number multiplication


A hollow heating cylinder for attachment to an injection nozzle for an injection molding system. An elongated heating cartridge is spirally wound on the outside of the cylinder. The heating cartridge contains two electrically heatable heat conductors which are electrically separated from one another and are located in different regions in the longitudinal direction of the heating cartridge. One heat conductor is positioned for heating the mouth region of the nozzle and the other heat conductor is positioned for heating the shank region of the nozzle.

For understanding the problem underlying the present invention, reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an injection molding system, in schematic representation. From an injection molding machine connected via a feed bushing, hot melt (i.e. molten plastic material) is conducted through the flow channels 4 of a heated hot-channel distribution block 2 to two or more nozzles 10. The injection nozzles 10 are positioned in accommodating bores 8 in the injection-side member 5A of the mold tool 6. The injection nozzles are connected via the so-called mouth (or orifices) 13 to cavities 7, in which the molded parts are formed and which are usually found in the ejection-side part 5B of the tool 6.
There is a considerable difference between the required temperature of the melt and that of the tool. For example, the processing temperature of the melt can be 250° C., while the tool can have a temperature of 50° C. This temperature difference results in a considerable flow of heat away from the nozzles, especially at the points of contact between the nozzles and the tool. This heat loss must constantly be compensated by heating of the nozzles. This heating is effected by means of heating cylinders capable of being attached to the nozzles, to which the present invention relates. The most critical point with regard to the risk of overcooling of the melt is at the mouth 13, since here the heat-absorbing capacity of the surrounding nozzle material is small owing to the gradual reduction in the diameter of the nozzle and the fact that there is an intimate contact between the nozzle and the tool.
These conditions require that heating of the nozzle in the mouth region 12 must be greater than in the shank region 11. The heat supply required for this in the mouth region 12 is also heavily dependent upon the operating conditions, the material of the melt and the tool, and the shape of the mouth 13. In addition, the heat supply must be effectively controllable, since the range of the processing temperature of some melts is very narrow. In addition, in the cold state of the tool for example, a greater quantity of heat must be supplied to the mouth region 12.
It is already known that the nozzles may be equipped with two separate heating cylinders 20A, 20B, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2, specifically, one for the mouth region 12 and one for the shank region 11. The heat conductors of the two heating cylinders are capable of being controlled and/or regulated independently of one another. The heating cylinders typically consist essentially of a hollow supporting cylinder, which is provided with a spiral groove for the accommodation of a heating cartridge, in which a heat conductor is embedded. The pitch of the spiral groove on the supporting cylinder of the heating cylinder for the mouth region 12 is as a rule smaller than the pitch of the spiral groove on the supporting cylinder for the shank region 11. On the outside of the heating cylinder is found a protective metallic jacket 23. In FIG. 2, in addition to the illustration of the nozzle, the accommodating bore 8 in the tool is also indicated.
One disadvantage of this known system is that two separate heating cylinders 20A, 20B are required. An additional disadvantage is that the electrical connection 34 of the heating cylinder 20A for the mouth region lies quite far in front in the direction of the mouth, so that a corresponding longitudinal groove 9 (FIG. 2) must be provided for its accommodation in the bore 8 of the tool-injection-side member 5A. This necessity, apart from the additional expense, may in some tools also result in problems of space. Moreover, a considerable risk of damage to the electrical connection 34 exists upon introduction of the nozzles into the accommodating bores 8 of the tool. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 35A designates the electrical connection to the temperature sensor for the heating cylinder 20B. The corresponding temperature sensor for the heating cylinder 20A is not shown.

Heating cylinder for attachment to an injection nozzle for an injection molding system


A apparatus for controlling heat transfer between portions of a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a substrate including at least part of a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit including a plurality of microconduits, the plurality of microconduits including a first microconduit and a second microconduit. The apparatus further includes a liquid metal flowing through the hydraulic circuit and a magnetic field configured to selectively direct the flow of the liquid metal between the plurality of microconduits. The flow of the liquid metal through the hydraulic circuit transfers heat between a first portion of the substrate and the liquid metal.

The present application relates generally to the field of microchannel heat transfer systems. The present application relates more specifically to microchannel heat transfer systems for computer equipment using liquid metals.
Computing systems generate large quantities of waste heat that must be removed from the computing system for the computing electronics to run at optimal efficiency. Conventional cooling systems use forced air to convectively cool the electronics. Other systems use liquid to carry heat between a heat sink and a radiator remote from the electronics. As computing systems, for example graphics processing units, become more powerful and generate more waste heat, there is a need for improved heat transfer systems.

Microchannel heat transfer with liquid metals


A ledger truss for scaffolding has a first ledger and a second ledger, each ledger having a longitudinal axis and being of uniform generally "I" shape in cross section along its length. A clamp bracket joins the first and second ledgers end to end at a butt joint with their axes aligned. The upper end of a vertical strut is attached to the clamp bracket, and an end bracket is attached to the end of each ledger remote from the clamp bracket. At least one first tensioned tie bar joins the end bracket on the first ledger to the lower end of the vertical strut, and at least one second tensioned tie bar joins the end bracket on the second ledger to the lower end of the vertical strut.

One form of scaffolding for receiving materials and providing work platforms for workers at selected vertical levels adjacent to a structure being worked on is a modular structural system that includes load-bearing panels stacked vertically and forming vertical columns, horizontal landing channels at each level that are affixed perpendicular to and supported by the columns, and horizontal joists or "ledgers," which are parallel to the columns, perpendicular to the landing channels, and supported by and affixed to the landing channels. Each load-bearing panel is usually a planar truss that has two tubular posts, which are joined by cross members and diagonal braces. The stacks of load-bearing panels that form the columns are arranged in pairs, each column of each pair being parallel to the building face and one column of each pair being closer to the building face than the other. The pairs of columns are spaced apart laterally, and each column is joined to an adjacent column by cross-bracing trusses that are also parallel to the building face.
The modular scaffolding system thus consists of rectangular bays of two forms. One form of bay, a "load-carrying bay," has two sides parallel to the building face, each of which is a stack of load-bearing panels forming a column, and two sides perpendicular to the building face formed by landing channels. Commonly, each landing channel is "sistered" with a cantilevered extension channel, which has a portion coextensive with the landing channel and a cantilevered portion that extends toward the building from the structural bay and supports a cantilevered deck portion of a width of, say, four feet, for workers to move freely from place to place horizontally along the structure being worked on. The other form of bay, a "cross-truss bay," is located between each adjacent pair of load-carrying bays and usually consists of cross trusses that are co-planar with and joined to the stacks of load-bearing panels that form the columns of the adjacent load-carrying bays. The ledgers span both the load-carrying bays and the cross-truss bays. Decking is attached to the ledgers, which receive wood strips to which the decking is attached by nails.
Each vertical load-carrying bay is essentially a hollow vertical tower that is self-supporting, provided that it is suitably fastened to the building at intervals. Therefore, it is possible for a scaffolding to include adjacent load-carrying towers that are independent of each other, that is, not connected by cross-bracing parallel to the building. It is also possible to construct scaffolding composed of units that consist of two or more load-bearing towers, the adjacent towers of each unit being spaced apart and joined by cross-bracing trusses. Adjacent side-by-side towers or multiple tower units may be relatively widely spaced apart, such that standard ledgers are not strong enough to span the spacing. It is, of course, possible to provide special ledgers that are stronger than the standard ledgers to span greater distances between scaffolding towers. Generally, such special, stronger ledgers may not integrate well with a modular system that uses standard ledgers and other standard parts and increase the cost of the scaffolding.
An exemplary scaffolding system is described and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,077, issued Aug. 4, 1992, and entitled "Scaffolding System," which is hereby incorporated into the present specification for all purposes.
One object of the present invention is to provide a way of supporting decking across spans between adjacent scaffold towers that are spaced so widely apart as to preclude the use of standard ledgers. Another object is to provide long ledger trusses that use standard ledgers and cross tie bars as major components. Still a further object is to provide long ledger trusses that not only use standard ledgers but do so without modifying them in any way, thus permitting the standard ledgers to be used normally or in a ledger truss. It is also desired to provide ledger trusses that integrate readily into a scaffolding system that uses standard ledgers.


An image pickup apparatus includes: an image data production unit configured to produce data of a plurality of kinds of images from a picked up image and successively output the data; an image synthesis unit configured to cyclically connect the data of the plurality of kinds of images for each pixel string within a range set in advance for each of the kinds of the images and output the connected data as a stream to produce a virtual synthetic image; and an image sending unit configured to accept, from a host terminal, a data transmission request that designates a rectangular region in the virtual synthetic image, extract and connect data from the stream and transmit the connected data as a new stream to the host terminal.

The present disclosure relates to a technology for performing information processing using a picked up image.
In the related art, a game is known in which an image of part of the body of a user of a video camera such as the head is picked up by the video camera. Then, a predetermined region such as a region including an image of an eye, a mouth, or a hand is extracted from the picked up image. Thereafter, the image of the extracted region is replaced with a different image, and the different image is displayed on a display unit. Such a game as described above is disclosed, for example, in European Patent Application Publication No. 0999518 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1). Also a user interface system is known wherein a movement of a mouth or a hand in an image picked up by a video camera is received as an operation instruction to an application.

Image pickup apparatus, information processing system and image data processing method


Apparatus and methods are provided for selecting channels on a television system by theme. A remote controller for the television system includes a plurality of theme keys, each theme key corresponding to one theme of a plurality of themes, apparatus for entering channel indicators corresponding to each theme, apparatus for storing the entered channel indicators corresponding to each theme, apparatus for accessing and transmitting to the television system each channel indicator corresponding to a first theme of the plurality of themes in sequence to control channel selection for the television system, if a first theme key corresponding to the first theme is pressed, apparatus for pausing a set period of time after accessing and transmitting a channel indicator before continuing to access and transmit channel indicators corresponding to the first theme in sequence, and apparatus for stopping the apparatus for accessing and transmitting from accessing and transmitting each channel indicator corresponding to a first theme of the plurality of themes in sequence, if the first theme key is pressed again.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to controlling channel selection on a television and particularly to apparatus and methods for selecting channels by theme.
2. Description of the Related Art
In presently used television systems, many channels are available that broadcast a wide range of topics including news, sports, movies, programming for kids, and music. Due to the large number of channels available via cable and satellite receivers, a viewer is often overwhelmed when selecting a channel for viewing. Even when the viewer knows the exact program and broadcast channel (for example, Prime Ticket on channel 39) the viewer may still have trouble locating the program because cable channel numbers are often different depending on the cable channel company that is transmitting the channels. Guides are published which describe the local programming; however, the guides are increasing complicated to read and not always up to date. When a user turns on a television system, the user often knows the program theme that he or she wishes to watch. For example, the user may wish to watch news. If the user does not know the channel number of a particular news station, then the user will often use a remote controller to scan through the channels until a channel with news is found. The user does this by pressing the channel up or down command on the remote controller. This method of scanning the channels available on a television system is often called channel surfing. The user surfs the channels until a program is found that matches the theme the user wishes to watch.
A number of attempts have been made to make the selection of channels corresponding to a particular theme easier to accomplish.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,931 (Na) discloses a channel selecting method for programs of the same category. Arbitrary channels are assigned according to the same types of programs as those contained in signals broadcast from a broadcasting station using a VPS function. The method determines whether a received broadcast signal uses the video program system (VPS broadcasting) and recognizes codes corresponding to the programs and arbitrarily assigns channels for the programs according to the codes. Then, if a desired channel is selected, the same types of programs corresponding to that channel can be automatically recognized, so that the broadcasting channel selection for viewing the same type of programs can be easily performed.
For example, the character "A" may be assigned to amusement programs, the character "B" to sports programs and the character C to serial dramas and encoded onto the video signal output. The VPS data is sent during the vertical blanking interval of the video signal.
A disadvantage of Na is that a user must first select a desired channel before other channels having the same types of programs can be automatically recognized. Also Na requires that the VPS broadcasting signal be used and requires the availability of a television system that can recognize the VPS data embedded in the vertical blanking interval of the video signal.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,210,611 (Yee) discloses an apparatus and technique for automatically tuning an audio video device in accordance with a topic selection made by user. Knowledge of specific broadcast of programs and times is not necessary. A user makes a selection of a subject matter from a menu or list and necessary tuning is thereafter automatically done under control of a menu or list control interface. Digital information is transmitted in the vertical blanking interval to provide a menu. The menu control interaction automatically adjusts the tuner in accordance with the menu selection made by the user to choose an arbitrary channel and page of information within that channel. Digital data is transmitted with the broadcast signal to characterize the subject matter content of the broadcast signal. The tuner will seek to any arbitrary frequency having a digital code matching the subject matter chosen by the user.
Yee has the disadvantage that a television system must have a means of decoding the digital information in the vertical blanking interval. Another disadvantage of Yee is that although a menu is used to select a particular channel or a category of programs, the accessed channel may not have the program that the user wishes to view. Thus, the user must reaccess the menu and select the proper subject matter again and go to another channel within the subject matter and repeat this process until a channel is found that the user wishes to view.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,209 (Schwob) discloses a broadcast receiver capable of selecting a broadcast station based upon a user selected program format and the geographical location of the receiver. After a user inputs the geographical location of the receiver in the desired program format the data base may be scanned to select a broadcast frequency corresponding to the input geographical location and program format for retrieval. The apparatus has a number of format selection keys which may be as follows: classical, CNW for country and western, rock, jazz, and talk for news, sports and public affairs.
The disadvantage of Schwob is that similar to Yee, the data base is accessed to select a particular broadcast frequency which is then tuned to. If the user does not wish to listen to that broadcast frequency then the user must reaccess the data base for selection of another broadcast frequency having the same desired format.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,651 (Templin) is a system for controlling a receiver to tune to only a selective set of channels. Separate groups of VHF, UHF or CATV channels are programmed by means of a key switch having various positions of engagement corresponding to individual groups of channels. Following key switch selection of a given group of channels, any number of channels within that group may be programmed for viewing by means of channel up and down selector keys. A RAM is used to store saved and skipped channels for each key switch position.
Templin allows a user to set a selected set of channels as the preferred channels. Once these preferred channels have been selected then the tuner will only tune to those channels. This saves some time in searching channels for a particular program; however, Templin does not allow the user to select a program category or theme. Thus, the user is required to search through all the selected channels to find channels having a particular theme.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,034 (Na) provides an automatic picture-in-picture (PIP) channel search apparatus and method for, when operating the scan key while the user is watching TV or a video tape on a video cassette recorder using the TV having a PIP function, searching channels by taking the currently viewed picture as a main screen and taking the searched broadcasting channels as subscreens, to thereby facilitate channel selection. The automatic PIP channel search apparatus and method involves the steps of setting the currently viewed broadcast signals in a main screen if a scan key is input when watching a TV channel, setting broadcast channels excluding the channel set as the main screen, as subscreens to display in turn the subscreen channels, and displaying only a specific channel broadcast on the main screen, if the scan key signal is input again.
Na has the disadvantage that each of the TV channels excluding the channel being displayed as the main screen are displayed as a PIP in turn. This does allow the user to surf through the channels; however the user must scan through all of the TV channels to find a channel having a desired theme. This is very similar to surfing through all the channels by pressing the channel up or down buttons on a remote controller for reviewing all the channels to find a channel with a particular theme. Due to the large number of channels available on current cable and satellite systems, the user is greatly inconvenienced by having to search through all of the channels.
Japanese patent application 02-152453 (Yoshihisa) filed Jun. 11, 1990 and published on Feb. 14, 1992 with publication No. 04-044475, discloses a channel selection control section that controls an on-screen display as required to display on the screen of a television a category menu. A user can select a category from the category menu and then the tuner is controlled to select channels corresponding to all broadcast stations belonging to the selected category. Each channel corresponding to the selected category is displayed sequentially on the screen together with an indication of the broadcast station name. Each channel is displayed for a prescribed time. A desired channel is selected by depressing an enter key when the picture of the desired broadcast station is displayed on the television.
Yoshihisa has the disadvantage that an on-screen display is required to display the category menu. Also required is a method for the user to select a category from the on-screen display such as a cursor on the screen. The on-screen display requires additional hardware in a television or other associated apparatus and if a cursor is used to select a particular channel, then this also requires additional hardware in the television.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for apparatus and methods for selecting channels by theme, which overcome the foregoing shortcomings.


An agricultural implement for applying a product to an agricultural field. The agricultural implement including a chassis, at least one tank positioned on and carried by the chassis, a plurality of ground engaging devices and a plurality of suspension elements. The plurality of suspension elements are coupled to the chassis. Each of the ground engaging devices are coupled to one of the plurality of suspension elements. The plurality of suspension elements are coupled to an outbound side of the ground engaging devices.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to agricultural sprayers, and, more particularly, to such sprayers having variable tread separation widths.
2. Description of the Related Art
Agricultural sprayers apply a liquid to a crop or the ground at a specified application rate. The liquid may be in the form of a solution or mixture, with a carrier liquid (such as water) being mixed with one or more active ingredients (such as a herbicide, fertilizer and/or a pesticide). The application rate can vary over different parts of a field through the use of precision farming techniques, such as by using GPS data to activate/deactivate boom sections of the sprayer as the sprayer traverses over the field.
Agricultural sprayers may be pulled as an implement or self-propelled, and typically include a tank, a pump, a boom assembly, and a plurality of nozzles carried by the boom assembly at spaced locations. The boom assembly typically includes a pair of wing booms, with each wing boom extending to either side of the sprayer when in an unfolded state. Each wing boom may include multiple boom sections, each with a number of spray nozzles (also sometimes referred to as spray tips). Of course, a self-propelled sprayer also includes an onboard power plant (e.g., diesel engine) providing motive force and other power such as hydraulic power, electrical power, etc.
Agricultural sprayers may generally be divided into two types or methods of application: a batch application method, and a metered application method. With a batch application method, a tank is filled with the carrier liquid, one or more active ingredients are mixed with the carrier liquid in the tank, and the solution or mixture is applied at a predetermined application rate over the field.
With a metered application method, the active ingredient(s) are mixed at a metered rate with the carrier liquid as it is transferred from a carrier tank to the sprayer nozzles. Such metering may be carried out using pumps, venturi nozzles or controllable valves. A metered application method allows the application rate to be more easily changed "on-the-fly" across a field, and avoids the need to dispose of unused spray solution at the end of a spray operation (except what may be left in the lines, pump, etc. between the tank and nozzles).
Self-propelled spaying systems have suspensions which provide a substantial crop clearance. The suspensions in many models also feature the ability to vary the tread spacing to accommodate road use requirements in a narrow width, and a wider width for field use. The width is also adjustable to accommodate the row-spacing of crops, such as corn, so that the tires can be positioned between the rows of the plants.
What is needed in the art is an agricultural sprayer with the ability to provide an adjustably narrower tracking width, and to accomplish such a width in a cost effective manner.

Narrow drive arrangement for self propelled sprayer


Aspects of the present invention provide a solution for passively monitoring a computer system. In an embodiment, an indexing agent operates on a physical server having a plurality of virtual servers. The indexing agent has a framework having a plurality of indexing layers. Each of these indexing layers is adapted to index a virtual server along a different abstraction level to extract abstraction level features indicative of changes in the virtual server. Further, each of the indexing layers has an application programming interface, which is adapted to receive one or more external indexing modules to be plugged into the framework. Each indexing module is adapted to provide instructions to the indexing agent while the indexing layer to which it is plugged is indexing the associated abstraction level of the virtual machine.

In the electronic environment of today, computer systems undergo constant changes. In order to keep up with these changes, it is important that users of these systems be able to monitor the systems. Monitoring can be classified into several different types, including active monitoring and passive monitoring. Passive monitoring includes any observation that does not modify a computer system. To this extent, passive monitoring can include scanning a file system to perform a compliance check, scanning a registry to determine which applications are currently installed on the system, security scanning, file system inspection, license usage monitoring, and the like. In contrast, activities, such as patching, applying a security update, etc., that involve modification of the computer system are referred to as active monitoring.
Standardization can be an asset in effective systems management. Standardization of a data center helps customers control maintenance costs by limiting the number of different variations of systems running in the data center. This allows costs to grow in proportion to the number of different software configurations rather than in proportion to the number of different instances of those configurations.
To realize some of the benefits of standardization, providers of a computer system can insure that all deployed instances begin their lifecycle from one or more standard "images" or pre-configured software stacks. In order to conserve resources, each particular type of deployed instance is often tailored to a type of task that the user of the instance wishes to perform. This can be done by including functions that are useful for performing the particular type of task while leaving out those that are not. In addition, efficiencies can be added by using specific operating systems, middleware, and/or applications that perform the particular type of task efficiently at the expense of those that do not. This can result in the need for several different types of deployed instances generated from different pre-configured software stacks having different combinations of operating systems, middleware, applications, etc., executing on the same computer.
This can become a challenge when it comes to performing passive monitoring operations that need to be performed on a significant number of the deployed instances. One example of this type of operation is drift detection. Once a deployed instance begins execution, it can deviate from the standardized state due to changes within the instance. These changes can be accidental, intentional but without harmful intent, or malicious in nature. In any case, these con-compliant deviations can cause the particular instance not to function correctly and/or can affect the efficiency of the instance within the overall computer system, possibly impacting other instances and/or the overall efficiency of the computer system. However, as the number of types of instances increases, with the increasing numbers of operating systems, middleware and applications, it can be increasingly difficult to provide a single tool for passively monitoring that can be used for all types. Further, any attempt to update or customize the tool could cause the tool to require increasingly more resources or to become unstable.

Passive monitoring of virtual systems using extensible indexing

International Business Machines Corporation


In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes at least one digital leakage detector that includes digital circuitry configured to detect an approximation of a magnitude of the leakage current in transistors of the integrated circuit and configured to generate a digital output representing the approximated magnitude. In another embodiment, a leak detector includes leak circuits and clocked storage devices. Each leak circuit is configured to generate an output signal indicative of a different magnitude of leakage current in a transistor. The clocked storage devices are configured to capture a state representing the output signals of the leak circuits. In another embodiment, a method includes running a test for leakage current in a digital leakage detector, wherein a digital output of the digital leakage detector represents a magnitude of a leakage current being experienced by the integrated circuit during use; and outputting the digital output from the integrated circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related to the field of integrated circuits and, more particularly, to leakage current detection in integrated circuits.
2. Description of the Related Art
Integrated circuits are manufactured using a semiconductor manufacturing process appropriate for the semiconductor substrate material being used and appropriate for the types of transistors being fabricated. For example, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) transistors fabricated in silicon substrates are very popular in industry today. Other semiconductor substrates may include, e.g., galium arsenide (GaAs), silicon on insulator (SOI), etc. Other transistors may include bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), other types of field effect transistors (FETs), etc.
The semiconductor manufacturing process is complex, and subject to numerous adjustments that affect the performance of the transistors fabricated using the process. Processes are often described as running "hot" (transistors having more rapid switching qualities) or "cold" (transistors having less rapid switching qualities). A variety of specifications are agreed to between the foundry that implements the process and the designer that designs the integrated circuit.
One specification that has risen in importance as the feature sizes in processes have continued to shrink is the leakage current specification. Leakage current may generally refer to the current through a transistor when the transistor is logically inactive (or logically non-conductive) according to the control node voltage and/or control current of the transistor. For example, in CMOS transistors, the transistor is logically inactive/logically non-conductive if the gate voltage is lower than the source voltage (for N-type MOS (NMOS) transistors) or if the gate voltage is higher than the source voltage (for P-type MOS (PMOS) transistors). Leakage current may occur from a variety of sources. For example, in CMOS transistors, leakage current may occur through the oxide from the gate to source or drain, from the source to the drain (over a short channel), etc. There may be numerous sources of leakage current in a given transistor.
Leakage current is typically much smaller in magnitude than the magnitude of the active current that flows through a transistor when the transistor is logically active (or conductive), by several orders of magnitude. However, the leakage current contributes to the static power consumption of an integrated circuit and thus may contribute to high power consumption even though the magnitude of the leakage current is fairly small. Accordingly, a specification for low leakage current is desirable. Leakage current is affected by the various process parameters in the semiconductor manufacturing process, as well as by operating temperature during operation of the integrated circuit. Leakage current can vary across a semiconductor wafer as well.
Currently, the foundry supplies leakage current data for a given wafer to the designer. The leakage current is measured from small amounts of circuitry in the "scribe" area of the wafer (the area between chips on the wafer, where cuts are made during the dicing process to divide the wafer into individual chips). Unfortunately, the leakage current measurements are typically taken from relatively few sites on the wafer, and thus variations across the wafer may not be accurately captured. Additionally, there are physical differences between the scribe area and the chips themselves, which may impact the accuracy of the scribe leakage current measurements with respect to the chips. Still further, the scribe circuits are very small, and thus the magnitude of the leakage current being measured is also very small. The low magnitude increases the challenge of getting accurate leakage current measurements.

Digital leakage detector that detects transistor leakage current in an integrated circuit


Apparatus for depositing a film on a substrate includes a housing that encloses a sputtering chamber, a substrate holder for positioning a substrate in the sputtering chamber and a sputtering gun, including a sputtering target, for depositing a film of atoms of the target on a surface of the substrate. The chamber contains a gas which forms a plasma. An electrical potential is applied to the substrate for accelerating ions from the plasma toward the substrate. The apparatus includes a substrate electrode for controlling trajectories of ions accelerated from the plasma toward the substrate. The substrate electrode permits movement of the substrate by the substrate holder and establishes a substantially uniform electrical potential around the periphery of the substrate as viewed from the plasma. The substrate electrode may be biased so that ions substantially uniformly bombard the surface of the substrate.

Sputter deposition, also known as sputter coating, is a technique for depositing thin films of a desired material on a substrate such as, for example, a magnetic disk for a hard disk drive or a semiconductor wafer. In general, ions of an inert gas from a plasma are accelerated toward a target of the material to be deposited. Free atoms of the target material are expelled when the ions collide with the target. A portion of the free atoms are collected on the surface of the substrate and form a thin film.
One well-known sputtering technique is magnetron sputtering. Magnetron sputtering uses a magnetic field to enhance the sputtering yield. Magnets are positioned behind the target, and magnetic field lines penetrate the target and form arcs over its surface. The magnetic field helps to confine electrons in an area near the surface of the target. The resulting increased concentration of electrons produces a high density of ions and enhances the efficiency of the sputtering process.
In a typical disk sputtering system, a disk is placed between two sputter sources, and thin films are deposited on both surfaces of the disk simultaneously. An example of a sputtering system of this type is the Model MDP-250B, manufactured and sold by Intevac, Inc. Another type of two-sided sputtering system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,797 issued Jan. 15, 1980 to Kennedy et al.
A critical step in the manufacture of hard disk drive (HDD) media is the sputtering of thin films onto the media (disks). In order to achieve high recording densities, high coercivity and low noise media are required. It is also increasingly important that these properties remain uniform across the surface of the disk and from one disk to another. With the increased use of magneto-resistive heads, more stringent uniformity requirements are being placed on the media.
HDD media typically have several films, including underlayers, a magnetic recording layer and a protective overcoat layer. These thin films may all be deposited in the same sputtering system. Any of the layers can be deposited with the substrate at a bias potential using a technique commonly known as "biased sputtering". This technique differs from the basic sputtering process described above in that a voltage is applied to the disk. The voltage attracts to the disk ions which bombard the film that is being deposited and modify its properties.
Sputtering systems are usually designed for optimal film uniformity, target lifetime and collection of sputtered material (for increased cleanliness and reduced particle generation). Such design features are not always consistent with producing uniform films during biased sputtering, because the properties of the films produced using a bias on the disk also depend on the energy, angle and number of energetic ions bombarding the disk. These variables depend sensitively on the location and shape of electrodes within the system. In this context, electrodes are components of the sputtering system that have voltages applied to them, such as the target and the disk, or grounded conductors, such as chamber walls and shields.
Two sets of electrodes have primary influence on the properties of biased sputtered films. First, the disk is an electrode having a bias voltage that is virtually constant across its surface. This voltage drops immediately to zero, or to the voltage of the plasma in the chamber, beyond the edge of the disk. Since the disk attracts ions during biased sputtering, the shape of the disk and the applied voltage have a strong influence on the spatial distribution of the ions that bombard the disk. Typically, the voltage is applied to the disk through a substrate holder. Because the substrate holder is optimized for disk handling rather than for its impact on biased sputtering, it is usually non-uniform in shape. Non-uniform substrate holders induce localized electric field variations that produce images in the deposited materials (e.g., electrical, optical and mechanical images). This results in non-uniform biased sputtering. Second, the shields that are used to collect sputtered material and which serve as grounded surfaces for the gas discharge also influence the trajectories of the ions bombarding the disk. The shape of the shields may significantly alter the angles and the number of ions bombarding different locations on the disk. Thus, the shields may produce non-uniformities in the properties of the biased sputtered films.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved sputtering methods and apparatus wherein the above described non-uniformities are reduced or eliminated.

Sputter coating system and method using substrate electrode


An electrical device is connected to at least one memory accessing unit and to a memory including at least one physical memory module. The device includes at least one access channel circuit connected to the least one memory accessing unit via at least one system bus and to the at least one physical memory module. The access channel circuit provides memory access for the at least one memory accessing unit to at least a part of the memory.

In ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) solutions and other types of integrated circuits especially for baseband and application processing in e.g. mobile phones, there are typically several units accessing memory, for example one or more CPUs, one or more DSPs, one or more communication links (wireless, UART, USB, etc.), and/or potentially also hardware accelerators for certain applications, routines, procedures, etc. Furthermore, the system normally has several instances and/or types of memory, which may comprise off-chip volatile, off-chip non-volatile, and different types of on-chip memory. These memories tend to be shared, completely or in part, by the various units that access memory. There is thus need for a memory controller that route memory accesses from and to the memory units and the units that access memory as efficiently as possible.
In most embedded systems, the memory controller is such that only one unit at a time is allowed to access any of the memories that are shared, i.e. a complete serialization of accesses to these memories. This is a low-complexity solution, where the accessing units might be sharing a single memory bus, and where the memories are all connected to this shared bus. The performance of such processing systems, on the other hand, is poor, and the impact when having real-time critical software can be devastating; either the real-time critical tasks get constant high priority access to the memories, which might result in 'starvation' of other tasks, and/or the system might show poor real-time characteristics.
In other solutions, a network of data links or buses is supported so that the unit's memory requests can be independently routed to their target memory, and memory conflicts appear only when more than one unit access the same physical memory module or memory bank that can be separately accessed. While such solutions provide much better performance, they have traditionally been considered significantly more complex; not only in terms of actual silicon area (which is becoming less significant), but also in terms of power consumption and engineering effort. The latter because most such solutions are uniquely designed for a specific system or implementation and are not designed to be scalable. Scalable in this context means that the same basic design and architecture can be used for both low-end, rather low-functionality, and small-area implementations as well as high-end, functionality-rich and performance demanding implementations.
Support for data transfer, such as DMA (Direct Memory Access), varies in complexity and functionality. Many present embedded systems has a simple DMA unit, that after setup by the CPU transfers a programmable amount of data from a programmable memory region to another programmable memory region. The transfer can be carried out without any intervention by a processor (except a programming/setup phase). If the data transfer occupies memories separate from the other accessing units and if the memory controller/network supports such parallel access, the data transfer will not cause any overhead. If accessing units target the same memory or memory bank as the DMA data transfer, there are typically two different schemes. Transparent DMA allows the DMA accesses to be carried out only when the memories are temporarily idle, on a granularity of individual accesses, while in non-transparent DMA much larger chunks of data are transferred which might lead to other units being locked out from the involved memories during a protracted consecutive period of time.
Some DMA controllers are more sophisticated, and support some number of virtual channels mapped on another number of physical channels in such a way that each physical channel defined by some interconnect capabilities can be programmed to take care of a number of different ongoing data channels. Each of these data channels can be either setup to transfer a given region of data from one memory to another, or be setup to move incoming data from a UART or USB interface buffer to other buffers dependent on signalling from the UART or USB where the buffer addresses are changed dynamically according to a predefined pattern (for example, double- or triple-buffering, each being filled in turn), etc. Such DMA controllers are often separate from the memory controller, although they have one or several data channels into it. Moreover, such DMA controllers are often rather complex circuits being designed to be inserted as a part of a design and are not scalable.
Many previous implementations of memory controllers as well as mechanisms that support data transfers exist. However, there are certain features not commonly found that are critical to upcoming architecture generations having a need for efficient, relatively low-complexity and/or scalable solutions.
First, since the solution must be scalable it must support a range of designs, and thereby it cannot be overly complex. At the same time, one requirement for performance as well as real-time issues is that different units shall be able to access different memories or memory banks independently without conflict. In addition, appropriate support for automatic data transfers is imperative, and because of the different characteristics of various software, it should be possible to be setup and act dynamically. The combined requirements of parallelism of independent accesses, dynamic support for automatic data transfers, scalability, and rather low complexity typically make the commonly known solutions inappropriate. While low-end implementations have few units accessing memory and rather low performance demands, their complexity must be kept rather low and the silicon area small. By contrast, a high-end implementation has demands on high-performance and more units accessing more memories or memory banks. Traditionally, this leads to completely different designs increasing the complexity of ASIC design, software design, test and verification.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,642 discloses a memory system comprising a main memory coupled to a plurality of parallel virtual access channels designed to improve memory access.
However, the use of cache in connection with access channels adds to the complexity of the design. Additionally, no support for DMA/data transfer between parts of the memory is given. Additionally, no support of pre-fetching, chaining or dynamic control giving flexibility is disclosed.
The object of the invention is to provide an electrical device for controlling memory access that is efficient, highly flexible and enables scalable implementation.
An additional object is to provide an electrical device for controlling memory access that enables a reduction of the risk of conflict with respect to memory access between memory accessing devices.

Method and memory controller for scalable multi-channel memory access


A paper feeder includes a base plate, a movable paper holder for holding papers with a pivot fixed to the base plate and a rotating end positioned above the base plate in a rotatable way, a chute positioned on the bottom or the upper side of the movable holder, and an elastic device or a swing arm with one end positioned within the chute in a slidable way.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a paper feeder, and more particularly, to a paper feeder for papers with different thickness.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Please refer to FIG. 1 of a schematic diagram of a paper feeder 10 according to the prior art. The paper feeder 10 includes a plurality of pickup rollers 12, a replaceable friction pad 14, a pickup shaft 16, a movable paper holder 18, a base plate 22 positioned under the movable paper holder 18, and a spring 26 (shown in FIG. 2) positioned between the movable paper holder 18 and the base plate 22.
Please refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 of the side views of the paper feeder 10 without and with the presence of paper, respectively. One end of the spring 26 is fixed to a bottom surface of the movable paper holder 18 while the other end is fixed to an upper surface of the base plate 22. Depending on whether paper is present in the paper feeder 10, the spring 26 is subjected to different stresses while the movable paper holder 18 is subjected to different reaction forces. For instance, a small amount of paper on the movable paper holder 18 creates a comparatively smaller amount of force on the movable paper holder 18 by the pickup rollers 12. Under such condition the force is not large enough to collect the paper properly so misfeeding may happen. A large amount of papers on the movable paper holder 18 creates a comparatively larger amount of force on the movable paper holder 18 by the pickup rollers 12. Under such condition the force is too large so multi-feeding may happen. Please refer to FIG. 4 of a schematic diagram of the required pressing forces of the paper feeder 10 for papers 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210 with different thickness. For example, paper 202 has the greatest thickness and a pressing force between 12 to 70 grams is suitable for collecting one sheet of paper, whereby a pressing force of less than 12 grams may lead to misfeeding, and a pressing force greater than 70 grams may lead to multi-feeding. According to the degree of stress on the spring 26, the pressing force provided by the pickup rollers 12 is between 10 to 30 grams. When the pressing force is between 10 to 12 grams, the pickup rollers 12 cannot collect the paper 202; when the pressing force is between 25 to 30 grams, the pickup rollers 12 may collect more than a single sheet of paper 210.
Due to the wide range in pressing force, the pickup rollers 12 can only correctly collect the papers 204, 206 and 208, whereby use of other types of paper can lead to multi-feeding or misfeeding. Thus, the paper feeder 10 is not very convenient for users who require the use of various types of paper.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper feeder with a smaller range in pressing force than the paper feeder of the prior art and it is suitable for handling paper with different thickness.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a paper feeder includes a base plate, a movable paper holder with a pivot fixed to the base plate and a rotating end positioned above the base plate in a rotatable way, a chute set on the bottom or the upper side of the movable holder, and an elastic device or a swing arm with one end positioned within the chute in a slidable way.
It is an advantage of the present invention that with or without paper, the pressing force provided by the pickup rollers is comparatively closer in range so that the paper feeder is suitable for handling paper of different thickness.
These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of the ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment which is illustrated in the various figures and drawings.

Paper feeder for papers with different thickness


A pole pulling device is provided for removing a pole from the ground. The pole pulling device includes a support structure extending along an longitudinal axis. A cable has a first end connectable to a support structure and a second end positionable about the pole. A slider assembly engages the cable and is slidable along an axis from a lowered position to an elevated position so as to remove the pole from the ground with the cable.

As is known, utility companies supply the public with various products including electrical power, telephone service, and natural gas. Electric utilities are continuously in the process of upgrading their distribution system infrastructure in order to be able handle the increase in electric demand and to improve the reliability of existing services. This upgrade typically involves the replacement of old wooden utility poles (in some cases 80–90 year old poles) with new wooden utility poles that are engineered for the heavier conductor loads and tensions and that provide additional clearance for the higher distribution voltages. Road widening projects may also force the electric utilities to relocate their existing facilities, even though these facilities are not necessarily in need of repair. However, both of these situations usually require the removal of existing wooden utility poles.
On a typical road-widening project, the electric utility will install a plurality of new poles and string a new conductor along the edge of the new road right of way. Once this new line is energized and electric customers are transferred over to the line, the electric utility will remove the old wires from the existing line and cut the tops of the poles off just above the communications circuits (telephone and cable TV). This procedure allows the owners of communications circuits to lift their facilities over the top of the cutoff pole and transfer their facilities to the new poles without cutting and splicing. Once the remaining facilities are relocated, the remaining portions of the poles must be removed.
It has been found that a very high percentage of new utility poles that are installed on an annual basis are actually replacement poles. For a mid-sized electric utility, this can equate to the removal and replacement of over 10,000 poles per year. As such, a safe and economic means for removing the utility poles is a necessity. Heretofore, various types of the pole pulling devices have been utilized by the electric utilities. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,163,398 and 3,173,658 disclose commercially available pole pulling devices that include hydraulic cylinders and base plate assemblies that are coupled to corresponding poles via chains that cinch the poles.
While functional for their intended purpose, these prior pole pulling devices are cumbersome to operate and have numerous disadvantages. By way of example, for rear lot line applications, prior pole-pulling devices need to be carted by hand over to the pole and then assembled. A portable hydraulic unit also needs to be carted over to the pole. Further, the chain method of cinching the pole is not very effective. The chain tends to roll and not "bite" into the outer periphery of the pole as the cylinder is extended. As a result, a wedge block must be installed (i.e., driven in with a sledge hammer) between the chain and the pole to keep the chain from slipping. Once the hydraulic cylinder is fully extended, the wedge block needs to be driven back out (again, with a sledge hammer) and the cylinder must be retracted and reattached to the pole. Because of the limited stroke of the hydraulic cylinder (typically 18–24-inches), this operation can be time consuming and labor intensive. It is also noted that on soft ground, the base on the hydraulic cylinder of a prior pole pulling device can sink into the ground during extraction, leading to more operational problems. Finally, since the hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the pole, the mechanical forces applied to the pole and to the cylinder tend to tip the pole away from the side of the pole on which the hydraulic cylinder is attached. As a result, the top of the pole may tip in an unwanted direction.
In view of the above-mentioned operational difficulties that utility line mechanics encounter when using these prior pole pulling devices, alternate methods for extracting utility poles from the earth have been developed. A preferred method used by utility line mechanics is to loosen the pole by wiggling it back and forth with a digger derrick truck. Thereafter, a derrick winch line is used to extract the pole. Digger derrick trucks are not designed for this application and this operation can lead to damage to the crane boom and turret assembly of the truck. Safety is a major concern when exceeding the design limits of the boom truck.
Other attempts have been developed to address some of the issues heretofore described. U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,006 is directed to mechanism for reducing the slippage of the chain used to pull the pole from the earth. The mechanism utilizes mechanical fingers that dig into the pole as the hydraulic cylinders are extended. However, the design of the mechanism in the '006 patent raises a number of issues. For example, the variations in pole diameters and lack of concentricity can lead to gripping problems. Further, any side load on the mechanical fingers due to the cylinder not being centered can lead to bending of the cylinder rod resulting in an expensive repair. In addition, the mechanical fingers exert substantial inward pressure on the pole prior to extraction, thereby leading to the possible crushing of the wood without ever extracting the pole. Finally, the limited stroke of the hydraulic cylinder requires multiple strokes of the cylinder to fully extract a pole, thereby requiring a substantial amount of time.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,534 addresses the issue of extracting the pole in a single stroke by extending the length of the hydraulic cylinder. Although this approach will work, there are still chain gripping issues and longer hydraulic cylinder rods are susceptible to damage. There are also ergonomic issues associated with installing the device next to the pole.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,347 utilizes a design that is mounted to a piece of mobile construction equipment. While adequate for accessible locations, the design is not well suited for rear lot line applications. One positive feature is that the large surface area of the base plate keeps the design from sinking into soft ground. Further, the design places the mechanical forces to the ground rather than the piece of construction equipment. However, since the design is mounted in a bucket, it does not allow for the bucket to be utilized to fill the hole left by the extracted pole. In addition, other problems associated with the design disclosed in the '347 patent include ergonomic issues with having to physically rotate the hydraulic cylinder into position, the limited stroke capability of the hydraulic cylinder, chain slippage issues and the fact that the utility pole has a tendency to tip away as the pole is extracted.
Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a pole pulling device that will safely and efficiently extract a utility pole from the earth.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a pole pulling device that minimizes the ergonomic impact to the machine operator.
It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a pole pulling device that has the ability to be mounted on a small compact utility tractor that can be used to transport the pole pulling apparatus and that utilizes the tractor as a hydraulic power source.
It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a pole pulling device that incorporates a means to lay the utility pole down on the ground after extraction without the use of a digger derrick truck.
It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a pole pulling device that is simple to operate and inexpensive to manufacture.


A balloon inflator includes a tank containing a volume of pressurized gas and a regulator assembly removably secured to the tank for reducing the pressure of gas exiting the tank, the regulator assembly including a pressure regulator. A nozzle assembly is also provided and includes a valve for controlling dispensing of the pressurized gas. A flexible hose extends between the regulator assembly and the nozzle assembly, the hose being in fluid communication with the pressure regulator and the valve. The balloon inflator is small and lightweight, and therefore portable and concealable. The flexible nature of the hose allows for easy manipulation of the nozzle assembly, making use of the balloon inflator easier for performers.

The use of balloons as decorations for parties, celebrations, grand openings, and other events is well known, and millions of balloons are so used each year. In many instances, performers use balloons for entertainment purposes. For example, balloon artists, known in the industry as "twisters," create shapes and animals from "modeling" balloons specifically designed for that purpose. Modeling balloons are long and have a small diameter, but are very strong and resilient in order to withstand all the twisting. Only individuals with extremely strong lungs can generate the air pressures necessary to blow up modeling balloons (and particularly those of high quality), and it is therefore helpful, and sometimes necessary, to inflate them using a balloon inflation device or "balloon inflator". Many varieties of balloon inflators are known and commercially available, but these inflators suffer from a number of disadvantages, particularly where the performer moves about during the performance, making portability an issue.
Prior art balloon inflators capable of generating the pressures necessary for inflating a modeling balloon are motor based, typically employing a motor to power an air compressor or a pump. The motors, compressors and/or pumps make these balloon inflators heavy and cause them to become hot while operating. In addition, motor-based balloon inflators can be somewhat large and awkward in size, making them cumbersome and difficult to carry. Furthermore, prior art balloon inflators may overheat if used or run continuously. All of these factors weigh against easy portability. The prior art portable modeling balloon inflators rely upon batteries for power. Batteries are a burden because they must be recharged or replaced when they no longer provide sufficient power. They also suffer from requiring frequent replacement, especially during frequent use. These battery powered devices often also suffer from electrical complications.
A particular prior art balloon inflator that is commercially available utilizes a compressor similar to those used in automobile horns to inflate modeling balloons. This compressor is not designed for continuous use, but instead is designed for use in short durations, and is therefore not ideally suited for use as a balloon inflator. In addition, the compressor is typically powered by a nickel cadmium battery or lead-acid battery, which are both heavy and expensive. Therefore, this popular balloon inflator suffers from a number of disadvantages.
Thus, there is a need for an improved portable balloon inflator device that alleviates one or more of the deficiencies discussed above. Notably, although this need relates most specifically to modeling balloons, the balloon inflators taught herein can generally inflate any type of balloon.


A computer-implemented method for processing a 3-D point cloud data and an associated image data to enrich the 3-D point cloud data with relevant portions of the image date. The method comprises generating a 3-D point cloud data tensor representative of information contained in the 3-D point cloud data and generating an image tensor representative of information contained in the image data; and then analyzing the image tensor to identify a relevant data portion of the image information relevant to the at least one object candidate. The method further includes amalgamating the 3-D point cloud data tensor with a relevant portion of the image tensor associated with the relevant data portion of the image information to generate an amalgamated tensor associated with the surrounding area and storing the amalgamated tensor to be used by a machine learning algorithm (MLA) to determine presence of the object in the surrounding area.

Several computer based navigation systems that are configured for aiding navigation and/or control of vehicle have been proposed and implemented in the prior art. These systems range from more basic map-aided localization based solutions—i.e. use of a computer system to assist a driver in navigating a route from a starting point to a destination point; to more complex ones—computer-assisted and/or driver-autonomous driving systems.
Some of these systems are implemented as what is commonly known as a "cruise control" system. Within these systems, the computer system boarded on the vehicles maintains a user-set speed of the vehicle. Some of the cruise control system implement an "intelligent distance control" system, whereby the user can set up a distance to a potential car in front (such as, select a value expressed in a number of vehicles) and the computer system adjusts the speed of the vehicle at least in part based on the vehicle approaching the potential vehicle in front within the pre-defined distance. Some of the cruise control systems are further equipped with collision control system, which systems upon detection of the vehicle (or other obstacle) in front of the moving vehicle, slow down or stop the vehicle.
Some of the more advanced system provide for a fully autonomous driving of the vehicle without direct control from the operator (i.e. the driver). These autonomously vehicles include computer systems that can cause the vehicle to accelerate, break, stop, change lane and self-park.
One of the main technical challenges in implementing the above computer systems is the ability for the computer system to detect an object present around the vehicle—such as the vehicle in front of the present vehicle (the present vehicle having the computer system onboard), which vehicle in front may pose a risk/danger to the present vehicle and may require the computer system to take a corrective measure, be it breaking or otherwise changing speed, stopping or changing lanes. On a more granular level, the challenge of the object detection is not just the binary detection (presence or absence of the object), but the speed and accuracy associated with such an analysis and determination (especially avoiding "false negatives", whereby the system does not identify an object which is indeed present in front or around the vehicle).
The acuteness of this problem is illustrated by the following hypothetical scenario. Imagine that the self-driving or partially-autonomous vehicle is driving along the route. A child (or an adult, a pet, and the like) runs in front of the vehicle. It is imperative that the computer system controlling the vehicle detects the presence of the object fast and take corrective actions to avoid the collision. Naturally, the faster the computer system detects the presence of the object, the more time the computer system will have to determine the corrective action and to command the vehicle to execute the corrective action.
There are several object-detection methods known in the art.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,530,062 (granted on 2016 Dec. 27 to Nguyen et al., and assigned to Volkswagen AG) discloses an in-vehicle system for estimating a lane boundary based on raised pavement markers that mark the boundary. The in-vehicle system includes a camera for obtaining image data regarding reflective raised pavement markers and non-reflective raised pavement markers, an image processor for processing frames of image data captured by the camera, a lidar detector for obtaining lidar data regarding reflective raised pavement markers, and a lidar processor for processing frames of lidar data captured by the lidar detector. The image processor generates a first probabilistic model for the lane boundary and the lidar processor generates a second probabilistic model for the lane boundary. The in-vehicle system fuses the first probabilistic model and the second probabilistic model to generate a fused probabilistic model and estimates the lane boundary based on the fused probabilistic model.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,710,714 (granted on 2017 Jul. 18 to Chen et al., and assigned to Nokia Technologies OY) discloses point cloud data that is received and a ground plane is segmented. A two-dimensional image of the segmented ground plane is generated based on intensity values of the segmented ground plane. Lane marking candidates are determined based on intensity within the generated two-dimensional image. Image data is received and the generated two-dimensional image is registered with the received image data. Lane marking candidates of the received image data are determined based on the lane marking candidates of the registered two-dimensional image. Image patches are selected from the two-dimensional image and from the received image data based on the determined lane markings. Feature maps including selected image patches from the registered two-dimensional image and received data are generated. The set of feature maps are sub-sampled, and a feature vector is generated based on the set of feature maps. Lane markings are determined from the generated feature vector.
WO patent application 2016/100814 (published on 2016 Jun. 23 to Giering et al.) discloses a method includes fusing multi-modal sensor data from a plurality of sensors having different modalities. At least one region of interest is detected in the multi-modal sensor data. One or more patches of interest are detected in the multi-modal sensor data based on detecting the at least one region of interest. A model that uses a deep convolutional neural network is applied to the one or more patches of interest. Post-processing of a result of applying the model is performed to produce a post-processing result for the one or more patches of interest. A perception indication of the post-processing result is output.
WO patent application 2016/122969 (published on 2016 Aug. 4 to Ratcliffe) discloses a vehicle driver assist system includes an expert evaluation system to fuse information acquired from various data sources. The data sources can correspond to conditions associated with the vehicle as a unit as well as external elements. The expert evaluation system monitors and evaluates the information from the data sources according to a set of rules by converting each data value into a metric value, determining a weight for each metric, assigning the determined weight to the metric, and generating a weighted metric corresponding to each data value. The expert evaluation system compares each weighted metric (or a linear combination of metrics) against one or more thresholds. The results from the comparison provide an estimation of a likelihood of one or more traffic features occurring.

Methods and systems for computer-based determining of presence of objects


The invention provides a stent-graft system comprising a graft member and a stent having a connection end interconnected with the graft member and a free end opposed thereto. A belt retaining structure is provided at the stent free end. A belt is releasably retained in the belt retaining structure and is configured to constrain the stent free end independent of the stent connection end. A method of securing at least one end of a stent-graft within a vessel is also provided.

The present invention relates to a system for the treatment of disorders of the vasculature. More specifically, the invention relates to a system for the treatment of disease or injury that potentially compromises the integrity of a flow conduit in the body. For example, an embodiment of the invention is useful in treating indications in the digestive and reproductive systems as well as indications in the cardiovascular system, including thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms, arterial dissections (such as those caused by traumatic injury), etc.
For indications such as abdominal aortic aneurysms, traditional open surgery is still the conventional and most widely-utilized treatment when the aneurysm's size has grown to the point that the risk of aneurysm rupture outweighs the drawbacks of surgery. Surgical repair involves replacement of the section of the vessel where the aneurysm has formed with a graft. An example of a surgical procedure is described by Cooley in Surgical Treatment of Aortic Aneurysms, 1986 (W. B. Saunders Company).
Despite its advantages, however, open surgery is fraught with high morbidity and mortality rates, primarily because of the invasive and complex nature of the procedure. Complications associated with surgery include, for example, the possibility of aneurysm rupture, loss of function related to extended periods of restricted blood flow to the extremities, blood loss, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, and complications associated with the use of general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation systems. In addition, the typical patient in need of aneurysm repair is older and in poor health, facts that significantly increase the likelihood of complications.
Due to the risks and complexities of surgical intervention, various attempts have been made to develop alternative methods for treating such disorders. One such method that has enjoyed some degree of success is the catheter-based delivery of a stent-graft via the femoral arteries to exclude the aneurysm from within the aorta. Illustrative stent-grafts and methods of delivery thereof are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003/0125797A1, 2004/0138734A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,295,019, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference herein.

System and method of pivoted stent deployment