A method for purifying Interleukin-10 (Il-10) from a eukaryotic cell culture medium. The method is comprised of subjecting IL-10 containing cell culture medium to cation exchange chromatography, anion exchange chromatography, hydroxyapatite chromatography, and gel filtration chromatography. The present invention is also comprised of a process for separating different IL-10 dimers present in a protein fraction from each other by subjecting the protein fraction to hydroxyapatite chromatography. The present invention is also comprised of a process for separating variants of a protein differing in an N-terminal amino acid sequence present in a protein fraction from each other by subjecting the protein fraction to hydroxyapatite chromatography.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10), a recently discovered lymphokine, was originally described as an inhibitor of interferon-.gamma. synthesis and is postulated as a major mediator of the humoral class of immune response [Fiorentino, D. F. , et al., J. Exp. Med. 170: 2081 (1989) and Moore et al., K. W. , et al., Science 248: 1230-1234 (1990)]. Two classes of often mutually exclusive immune responses are the humoral (antibody-mediated) and the delayed-type hypersensitivity.
It is postulated that these two differing immune responses may arise from two types of helper T-cell clones, namely Th1 and Th2 helper T-cells, which demonstrate distinct cytokine secretion patterns [Moore supra; Vieira, P. et al., Proc, Nat. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 88: 1172 (1991)]. Mouse Th1 cell clones secrete interferon-.gamma. and IL-2 and preferentially induce the delayed-type hypersensitivity response while Th-2 cell clones secrete Il-4, IL-5 and IL-10 and provide support for the humoral responses [Fiorentino et al., supra]. The contrast in immune response could result because interferon-.gamma. secreted by the Th1 cell clones inhibits Th2 clone proliferation in vitro, while IL-10 secreted by the Th2 cell clones inhibit cytokine secretion by the Th1 cell clones [Fiorentino et al., supra and Moore et al., supra]. Thus the two T-helper cell types may be mutually inhibitory and may provide the underpinning for the two dissimilar immune responses.
IL-10 has been cloned and sequenced from both murine and human T cells [Moore et al., supra; Vieira et al., supra]. Both sequences contain an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 178 amino acids with an N-terminal hydrophobic leader sequence of 18 amino acids, and have an amino acid sequence homology of 73%.
Biologically active IL-10 is a dimer comprised of non-covalently bonded polypeptides. N-terminal analysis indicates that a small percentage of Il-10 polypeptides have the first two N-terminal amino acid residues missing. This truncated polypeptide is referred to as the .DELTA.2 IL-10 polypeptide, or simple .DELTA.2. The full-length chain is therefore referred to as .DELTA.0, indicating that no amino acid has been deleted. Accordingly, biologically active IL-10 can be expressed as three different dimers. The first biologically active dimer and the major form is .DELTA.0: .DELTA.0, a homodimer in which both polypeptides of the dimer have the full-length chain of amino acids. The second IL-10 dimer is .DELTA.0:.DELTA.2, a heterodimer in which one of the polypeptide chains has the full-length chain of amino acids and the second chain, .DELTA.2, has the first two N-terminal amino acids missing. The third IL-10 dimer is .DELTA.2:.DELTA.2, a homodimer in which both polypeptide chains of the dimer have the initial two N-terminal amino acid residues missing.
In light of its role as a potential immune response mediator and its activity as an inhibitor of interferon-.gamma. synthesis, IL-10 may have clinical utility in autoimmune diseases or transplant rejection. However, in a clinical setting it is highly desirable that the IL-10 be in a highly pure state, substantially free of other contaminating host and medium proteins or polypeptides.
Thus there is a need for purifying IL-10 from culture medium, and in particular there is a need for a method for separating the different dimers of IL-10 from each other.

Purification of human interleukin-10 from a cell culture medium


The disclosure provides a memory device which includes a plurality of word lines grouped into a plurality of WL sets; and a plurality of redundant word lines grouped into M RWL sets; and a memory control circuit connected to the WL sets and the RWL sets and configured to replace a plurality of defective WL sets of the plurality WL sets by selecting from the RWL sets, wherein each of the plurality of defective WL sets comprises at least a defective word line, all of the M RWL sets are available for repairing the WL sets during a wafer stage, where M is an integer greater than 2, and N of M RWL sets is available for repairing the WL sets during the wafer stage, during a package stage and during a post package stage, where N is an integer less than M.

Typically, for a memory device such as a dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) or other similar devices, the memory device may undergo multiple stages during which each defective word line (WL) could be repaired by replacing the defective WL with a redundant word line (RWL). A first repair operation could be performed during a wafer stage. During the wafer stage, repair operations of defective WLs are performed before the wafer is cut into a die which is then subsequently packaged. Several defective WLs could be repaired by RWLs. After the die in which the memory device exists has been packaged, the memory device may undergo a second repair operation during a package stage when one or more defective WLs could be repaired by RWLs before the memory device is shipped to a vendor. For a memory device such as a double rata rate 4 synchronous DRAM (DDR4) for example, a third repair operation including a hard post package repair (hppr) and/or a soft post package repair (sppr) may occur during a post package stage as defined in a Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) standard to allow the memory device to be repaired after the memory device has been in use by a user.
Since at least three repair operations may occur in at least three different stages, namely the wafer stage, the package stage, and the post package stage, RWLs would need to be allocated for performing repair operations during different stages. Conventionally, the repair operations are performed by dividing the RWLs into three non-overlapping portions with each portion dedicated for one of the three stages.
FIG. 1 shows an example of using 16 rows of RWLs for repairing defective WLs, and such RWLs are divided into three regions 101˜103. The RWLs #0˜#12 in the first region 101 are allocated for exclusively repairing defective WLs during the wafer stage, the RWLs #13˜#14 in the second region 102 are allocated for exclusively repairing defective WLs in the package stage, and the RWL #15 in the third region 103 is allocated for exclusively repairing defective WLs in the post package stage.
However, the above described repair scheme might not the most efficient scheme which would result in a high level of RWL utilization rate. Instead of dividing RWLs into three non-overlapping regions with each region allocated to each of the three stages, the repair scheme could be made to be more flexible so as to improve the utilization rate of the RWLs and to decrease the hardware costs of the repairs.

Memory device capable of repairing defective word lines


A dual mode exterior lamp for an aircraft includes a higher intensity anticollision light, a lower intensity recognition light, a power supply for the lights, and means for activating the anticollision light when the aircraft is airborne and for activating the recognition light when the aircraft is on the ground. In the preferred embodiment the activating means is responsive to a landing gear position switch.

The invention relates generally to aircraft lighting systems. More particularly, the invention relates to anticollision lights used on aircraft exteriors.
Until recently, regulations for the airline industry required operational exterior lamps for all airborne aircraft as an anticollision safety factor. These same lights are used when aircraft are on the ground. Typically these lights are mounted on the fuselage, tail and/or wings and so on. The required illumination heretofore was 100 candela. However, the intensity requirement has now been raised to 400 candela for airborne aircraft. It is expected that although 400 candela lights are available, this brightness will be unacceptable for ground operations. Therefore, a new lighting system is needed for aircraft that will meet the airborne illumination requirements without unduly interfering with ground operations. The system should provide a self-contained unit and operate automatically if so needed to reduce tasks for the pilot or crew.

Dual mode anticollision/recognition lamp for aircraft


In a building box type plug-in modular rack structure for electronic equipment, a box-like shelf accommodates a plurality of printed circuit boards therein. A pair of side frames symmetrical in a right-and-left direction each has a recess at the upper end and a projection at the lower end for respectively mating with the projection and the recess of adjoining side frames. A framework is constituted by the pair of side frames and the shelf interposed between them. Covers cover the outer periphery of the framework. A plurality of frameworks are stacked and connected together by the recesses and the projections of the side frames. A top cover and a bottom cover respectively are fitted on the top and the bottom of the stack of frameworks.

The present invention relates to the assembly of boxes loaded with printed circuit boards for electronic equipment and, more particularly, to a building box type plug-in modular rack structure for electronic equipment.
It is a common practice to provide an electronic exchange or similar electronic communication equipment with a rack structure made up of electronic units and a rack accommodating the electronic units. The electronic units are each constituted by a plurality of printed circuit boards on which various electronic parts are packaged, and a shelf or subrack accommodating the circuit boards. Alternatively, the shelf loaded with printed circuit boards may itself be configured as a single framework, and a plurality of such frameworks may be stacked one upon the other. Such conventional rack structures are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 211295/1982.
However, a problem with the first-mentioned conventional rack scheme is that since the electronic units each has a box-like configuration, they increase the number of parts when received in the rack having a predetermined size. Moreover, regarding communication equipment, the number of electronic units to be accommodated in a single rack increases or decreases depending on the number of terminal units to be connected to the equipment and the processing ability of such terminal units. Hence, when the number of terminal units is small or their processing ability is low, only a small number of electronic units are mounted on a single rack, wasting much of the space available in the rack. In addition, when the communication equipment is packaged and transported, the rack having substantial dimensions is the minimum unit of packaging and transport even when the number of electronic units accommodated therein is small. This is undesirable from the cost standpoint.
Even the second-mentioned rack scheme is not fully satisfactory for the following reasons. Assume that the communication equipment is scaled up and brought into operation. Then, it is extremely difficult to replace desired one of the electronic units mounted on the stacked frameworks. This is especially true when the desired electronic unit is received in any of the frameworks underlying the uppermost framework and when the electronic units are connected by, for example, cables. Furthermore, upper and lower portions of each framework have to be mechanically strong enough to sustain a plurality of shelves and, therefore, need a substantial dimension. It follows that when the frameworks are sequentially stacked, the overall rack has the dimensions thereof increased, mainly in the direction of height. This is contradictory to the increasing demand for miniature communication equipment.

Building box type plug-in modular rack structure for electronic equipment


A reference position of any size recording sheet P within a sheet feeding cassette is located on a front surface side.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ink-jet recording device, and more particularly to an ink-jet recording device where necessary operations can be performed from a specific one direction.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recent use trend of the ink-jet recording device (printer) is that the recording device is connected not only to the computer but also to other kinds of devices, such a television and a VTR. There is a growing tendency for the printer installing location to change from the desktop to a family member gathering location, such as a living room. Under this circumstance, the printer is proposed which allows the user to make an access to the printer from the front side of the printer with the intention of loading of the ink cartridge, setting of recording sheets and taking out thereof, allowing for the need that the printer will be used stacked on other devices. A typical example of such is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,852.
For techniques of low-profile printers, reference is made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,340,256; 6,296,407; and 4,698,650.

Ink-jet recording device and control method thereof

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A multifunctional apparatus transfers and receives facsimile data and communication data by using an integrated service digital network constructed with a computer interface conducting facsimile and communication data; a line interface transferring data to the network and receiving facsimile and communication data from the network at the first transfer rate; an ISAC controlling a connection with the integrated service digital network, conducting facsimile and communication data via the network, converting the transfer rate of data received from the network to a second transfer rate, and converting the transfer rate of data received from for the network to the first transfer rate. A serial I/O converts the communication data transmitted from the computer through the computer interfacing section, and facsimile data scanned in a scanning section, into serial data, and transfers serial data to the ISAC, and receives communication and facsimile data from the network via the ISAC.

This application makes reference to, incorporates the same herein, and claims all benefits accruing under 35 U.S.C. xc2xa7 119 from an application for A MULTIFUNCTIONAL APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING AND RECEIVING FACSIMILE DATA AND COMMUNICATION DATA BY USING AN INTEGRATED SERVICE DIGITAL NETWORK earlier filed in the Korean Industrial Property Office on the 28th of November 1997 and there duly assigned Ser. No. 63643/1997.
The present invention relates to a multifunctional apparatus and, more particularly, to a multifunctional apparatus for transferring and receiving facsimile data and communication data by using an integrated service digital network (ISDN), which transfers and receives the facsimile data by using G3 and G3C types of protocols, and which is connected to a computer so as to print and scan data provided by the computer.
Generally, as is well known, a multifunctional apparatus comprises a printer, a scanner, a facsimile device and a copier, referred to as peripherals, which are combined with a computer, and such a multifunctional apparatus has the multiple functions of printing, scanning, facsimile data transferring and copying.
The multifunctional apparatus is connected to a computer by means of a serial port or a parallel port of the computer. The multifunctional apparatus has the functions of printing data, scanning a document and storing document data in a memory of the computer, and transferring facsimile data.
In order to transfer the document data, the multifunctional apparatus scans the document to be transferred and transfers the document data; alternatively, after a document is prepared by means of a word processor, document data can be transferred by means of an application program supporting facsimile transmission. A user must use an interior modem or an exterior modem to communicate by means of a computer with another party.
That is, when the multifunctional apparatus is connected to the computer to transfer and receive data to/from a communication network, there is a disadvantage in that the computer must be provided with a modem.
The present invention has been made to overcome the above described problem.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional apparatus for transferring and receiving not only facsimile data, but also communication data, when connected to an integrated service digital network (ISDN).
To accomplish the above objects of the present invention, there is provided a multifunctional apparatus for transferring and receiving facsimile data and communication data by using an integrated service digital network. The apparatus comprises: a computer interfacing section for receiving dialing information, and for transferring and receiving facsimile data and communication data to/from a computer; a line interfacing section for transferring data to the integrated service digital network, and for receiving the facsimile data and the communication data from the integrated service digital network; an ISDN subscriber access controller (ISAC) for performing layer 1, layer 2, and layer 3 protocols to control connection with the integrated service digital network by using the dialing information, and for transferring and receiving the facsimile data and the communication data to/from the integrated service digital network; and a serial input and output section for converting the communication data transmitted by the computer through the computer interfacing section and facsimile data scanned by a scanning section into serial data, for transferring the serial data in theistic at a second transfer rate, and for receiving and converting the communication data and facsimile data transmitted by the integrated service digital network through the ISAC into serial data at the second transfer rate.
The first transfer rate is about 64 kbps, and is the rate at which the data are transferred and received through the integrated service digital network.
The second transfer rate is about 768 kbps, and is the rate at which the serial data are transferred in the ISAC.

Multifunctional apparatus for transferring and receiving facsimile data and communication data by using an integrated service digital network


Identifying interference in a cellular network may include creating an interference neighbor list for a target base station that includes a plurality of neighboring base stations, determining a plurality of quiet resource blocks common to the plurality of neighboring base stations and the target base station, and analyzing signals received at the target base station during the plurality of quiet resource blocks. Whether to modify uplink transmission schedules, and the extent of modification, may be determined based on traffic levels.

Wireless network operators pay large amounts of money to license wireless spectrum for their networks. They therefore carefully locate base stations and configure radio parameters to maximize the usage efficiency of the available spectrum. However, on many occasions, unlicensed users operate devices that cause interference to the licensed wireless equipment. The interference can degrade the performance of the licensed equipment, resulting in poor quality voice calls, dropped calls, a reduction in throughput in data networks, etc.
It may not be readily apparent that the deterioration in service is caused by external interference. Identifying a source of external interference may require prolonged trouble-shooting by the network operators. Hence, a dynamic way of identifying external interference is desirable. The ability to locate the interference source can further help to neutralize or shut down the interference source. When the cellular network is not the primary user of a spectrum allocation, a method to detect interference from the primary users is desirable.

Uplink interference detection using transmission matrices


A first shot body member includes a pair of side walls, a semi-circular sleeve positioned between the pair of side walls to define a portion of a longitudinal pocket, and a pair of deflecting wings. Each deflecting wing is coupled to one of the side walls at a corner. A second shot isolation member of an elastically resilient second material is bonded to portions of an interior surface of the longitudinal pocket defined by each of: the semi-circular sleeve, each of the pair of side walls, each of the pair of corners, and each of the pair of wings. Mold members can include supporting surfaces to support interior and exterior portions of the wing during the second shot molding operation, while leaving an exposed interior bonding surface that defines a portion of the second shot molding cavity. Related methods are further disclosed.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Clips and fasteners are known which are used to retain tubular shaped objects such as metal or rubber tubing used for hydraulic, vacuum, fuel and similar services, and electrical wires, cables, and wire bundles in automobile vehicles. Vibration and sound transmitted from an upstream or downstream component of the vehicle can be transferred through the fastener to the body panel to which the fastener is connected, thereby inducing unwanted noise. Resilient material inserts can be provided using a two-shot molding process.
Known designs can provide less than optimal wing flexibility to facilitate maximum opening and centering capability during insertion of the tubular objects. In addition, known two-shot molds and processes can provide less than optimal support of the first shot component during the molding of the resilient second shot component.

Two-shot tube retention pocket tube clamp, mold and process


A watercraft paddle may include a shaft having first and second ends and at least one grip position therebetween for a user's hand. The paddle may further include a blade carried by the first end of the shaft, and at least one drip barrier positioned between the at least one grip position and the blade. The at least one drip barrier may include a base surrounding the shaft, and a concave sidewall portion extending vertically from the base toward the blade and curved laterally inward toward the shaft to define a water collection reservoir with the base for collecting water drippage from the blade along the shaft. The concave sidewall portion may have an arclength spanning greater than ninety degrees.

Many paddles, particularly kayak paddles, include a rubber drip barrier on the shaft positioned between the paddle blade and the area where the user holds the paddle. The drip barrier is essentially a rubber washer that deflects water running down the shaft when the user lifts the paddle blade, to reduce the amount of water contacting the user's hands and body. Such drip barriers are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,132 to Merrill, for example.
Drip guards are sometimes used in other applications as well. For example, a cup-shaped attachment for the end of an umbrella is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,838,058 to Foltis et al, including a curved convex exterior. Another example is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 1,398,894 to Gaede, which discloses a drip barrier for toothbrushes including a receptacle through which a brush shaft is passed. Deflectors on the inner wall of the receptacle and the shaft portion enclosed by the receptacle prevent liquid flowing out of the receptacle. Another similar example is U.S. Pat. No. 2,394,640 to Singer which discloses an attachment for a toothbrush shaft having a bell-like shape.
Although typical drip barriers for paddle shafts provide some degree of water deflection away from the paddle user's hand on a paddle shaft, such drip guards often still allow water to drip off onto the user or inside the watercraft. Other drip barriers, such as those noted above, are not designed for the extended and rigorous use that a watercraft paddle is subjected to, nor the wide range of motion through which a paddle typically travels.

Drip barrier for watercraft paddle and associated methods


A method that detects obstacles on a roller shade's travel that create excess torque by sensing the current draw from a motor and method by which the motor can calibrate itself to detect excess torque. During the roller shade's travel, it will record the instantaneous torque being generated at various points. For example, it will store the greatest value in the shade motor's non-volatile memory as the normal operating torque.

Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to a system and method for raising and lowering roller shades and more particularly to system and methods to mitigate component damage or user injury during use.
Background Art
One type of motorized window treatment is a motorized roller shade. A typical motorized roller shade includes a flexible shade fabric wound onto an elongated roller tube. The roller tube is rotatably supported so that a lower end of the flexible shade fabric can be raised (i.e., wound) or lowered (i.e., unwound) by rotating the roller tube. The roller tube is rotated by a motorized drive system.
Motorized roller shades can be automated to automatically raise and lower. Unlike manual shades, where the user walks up to the window and opens or closes the shade using a cord or by pulling on the shade, motorized shades make it easy to open or close one or multiple shades with the touch of a button, or by programming them to automatically move at a specific time with no user interaction. In this regard, automation can be used to help minimize heat gain, prevent glare, or protect furnishings from harmful Ultra Violet rays.
Due to the automated nature of movement of motorized window treatments, a user may not realize if there is an obstruction. An obstruction may interfere with the shade and limit its movement. If a shade is lowered and encounters an obstruction, the shade fabric normally will bunch up. Damage normally does not occur to either, the motor nor an occupant of the room during lowering. However, when the shade is raised, the presence of an obstructing object may cause damage to the motor or brackets, for example, and poses an injury risk to the user. The amount damage, in some cases, may be directly related the amount of torque created.

Automatic torque calibration for roller shades


A digital communication system is disclosed, that allows a display of override content to interrupt a display of ongoing content on one or more display units. Ongoing content, such as advertisements, news, entertainment, or other relevant information, is provided on the display units until an urgent or security-related alert is required, and display of override content becomes necessary. Override content can include information relevant to the security of a passenger or passer-by viewing the display. Override content can relate to security threats such as accidents, major delays, fire, missing children, terrorist activity, or other content deemed adequately pertinent to warrant interrupting the display of ongoing content.

There are a number of different dedicated media through which advertising, entertainment, information, and security and alert messages are separately provided in public spaces where people tend to congregate or queue, such as in transit networks or on elevators. These media include print advertisements, digital displays, and auditory public address systems. Inundation with different media makes it challenging to disseminate urgent security and alert information due to competition between different media for an individual's attention. Also, the cost of installing, maintaining and operating separate systems for each content type and content provider is burdensome to the managers of public spaces.
For example, in transit networks, digital information displays, generally referred to as passenger information display systems (PIDS), are often used to provide information regarding the transit network. PIDS can be used to display general information, such as scheduling information, and security and alert information. Such display systems may also be supplemented by separate public address or other audio systems. The content displayed by a PIDS is typically provided as a text-based display in a periodically updated, pre-recorded loop that a passenger reads as a scrolling message. Display systems on transit vehicles can also be provided with pre-recorded or real-time data streams for display to passengers within transit vehicles. In real-time and "near real-time" systems, the information can be fed directly to the transit vehicle, such as wirelessly, or can be otherwise updated at fixed positions along the route, or in stations and bus shelters.
Separate advertising media, such as billboards, posted advertisements, or electronic equivalents are also typically used to provide advertising to passengers or users, and in doing so provide a source of revenue to the transit authority. In general, advertising space is sold to an advertiser, and an ad is displayed in a designated space for a set time period.
There has also been a move on the part of many managers of public spaces, such as transit authorities, to deploy digital advertising displays as a new source of advertising revenue. Since such digital advertising systems are generally separate and distinct from the security and alert systems already installed, new infrastructure is required when such displays are introduced, the cost of which is generally assumed by the transit authority. Although such infrastructure costs may eventually be off-set by advertising revenue, the cost of adopting such new technology can be significant.
In view of the significant costs associated with maintaining separate dedicated infrastructures, and the time and effort required to manage and administer each separate system, it is, therefore, desirable to provide an integrated security alert, messaging and advertising system. Such a system could also alleviate user distraction due to inundation by multiple media formats, displays and content types.

Digital communication system with security features


A p-i-n photodiode included a heavily dopes epitaxially grown layer of semiconductor. The photodiode is comprised of heterojunctions of epitaxial material grown on an InP semiconductor substrate (12, 14). A heavily doped layer (20) is patterned on top of an InP layer (18) to define the source of p-type diffusion for the definition of the active region (22) of the p-n junction. The epitaxially grown source layer (20) may be comprised of ternary or quaternary III-V semiconductor alloys, typically InxGa1xe2x88x92xAs. The principle can be extended to alloy layers that are not lattice-matched to the InP substrate. The p-type dopant is typically Zn, but may also consist of other commonly used p-type dopants such as Be.

1. Field of the Invention
Briefly described, this invention relates to an improved method for fabricating a p-i-n semiconductor photodiode that results in improved uniformity and device scalability over large substrate sizes.
2. Description of Related Art
Linear and 2-D arrays of InGaAs p-i-n photodiodes are commercially important for a wide range of applications. Linear arrays are used as wavelength monitors for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) communication systems (C. Koeppen, J. L. Wagener, T. A. Strasser, and J. DeMarco, xe2x80x9cHigh resolution fiber grating optical network monitor,xe2x80x9d Proc. National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference, 1998.), spectroscopy (G. H. Olsen, xe2x80x9cInGaAs Fills the Near-IR Array Vacuum,xe2x80x9d Laser Focus World 27, p. 48 (1991)), and machine vision applications. Two-dimensional arrays are used in many applications ranging from surveillance to industrial process control. Linear photodiode arrays are available with up to 512 elements, while 2-D arrays are available with up to 320xc3x97240 elements. These devices are large in comparison to most semiconductor devices. A 512 linear array is 2 cm in length and a 2-D array is also large, with a 320xc3x97240 array being 1.3 cmxc3x971 cm. This large device size drives the need for a device structure and process which is uniform and scalable with substrate size. Conventional methods of device fabrication used a vapor-phase Zn diffusion to define the device active region.
Increasing substrate sizes characterizes the history of semiconductor fabrication. This increase in size is driven by the cost effectiveness of scaling the process to larger and larger wafer sizes. The trend is particularly true of more complex devices containing large numbers of devices, such as transistors. The compound semiconductor industry is driven by a similar trend as the devices fabricated from these materials contain a larger number and size of elements such as transistors and diodes. The GaAs industry has scaled wafer sizes from 2 inch diameters (50 mm) up to 6 inches (150 mm) in recent years as the chips fabricated from this material have achieved increasing levels of device integration. The InP-based materials systems are experiencing a similar pressure to increase the substrate size to take advantage of the cost advantages of larger wafer sizes.
As the wafer size is increased, the processing of the devices becomes more challenging. To take advantage of the larger wafer size, the process must scale with the area of the wafer. The invention discussed herein addresses the problem of scaling the diffusion of impurities to large wafer sizes.
The following patents may be generally relevant to the state of the art and the present invention.
U.S. Patent entitled xe2x80x9cPhotodetectorxe2x80x9d (U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,004) describes a photodetector in which the preferred embodiment is structured with a non-patterned p-contact layer, and in which a buffer layer is added to prevent excess diffusion from the p-doped layer.
U.S. Patent entitled xe2x80x9cPhotovoltaic Diode with First Impurity of Cu and Second of Cd, Zn, or Hgxe2x80x9d (U.S Pat. No. 3,836,399) describes a device in which the diffusion is over a broad area and for which no specific method or patterned structure is indicated.
U.S. Patent entitled xe2x80x9cEnhancement of Photoconductivity in Pyrolytically Prepared Semiconductorsxe2x80x9d (U.S. Pat. No. 4,616,246) describes a device prepared using n-type layers grown, but not subsequently patterned or diffused, to fabricate the device.
U.S. Patent entitled xe2x80x9cBuried Heterostructure Devices with Unique Contact-Facilitating Layersxe2x80x9d (U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,961) describes a fabricated device in which the contact layers are patterned by growth of additional material to define the device active region.
U.S. Patent entitled xe2x80x9cPassivation of InP by Plasma-Deposited Phosphorusxe2x80x9d (U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,828) shows a method for passivating surface states using a phosphorus layer.
U.S. Patent entitled xe2x80x9cLateral P-I-N Photodetectorxe2x80x9d (U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,620) describes a device in which the p-type and n-type regions of the photodiode are defined by alloying doped metallic contacts onto the semiconductor substrate.
Finally, U.S. Patent entitled xe2x80x9cPIN Junction Photovoltaic Element with p or n-type Semiconductor Layer Comprising Non-Single crystal Material Containing Zn, Se, H in an Amount of 1 to 4 Atomic % and Dopant and I-Type Semiconductor Layer Comprising On-Single Crystal Si(H,F) Materialxe2x80x9d (U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,229) describes a device fabrication process which uses non-single crystal and in which H is incorporated into the material.
The existing methods of scaling the diffusion of impurities into the semiconductor in order to define the device include sealed ampoule diffusion, open tube diffusion using a gaseous diffusion source, and the use of surface-deposited films of source dopant.
Sealed ampoule diffusion (Y. Yamamato, H. Kanabe, xe2x80x9cZn Diffusion in InxGa1xe2x88x92xAs with ZnAs2 Source,xe2x80x9d Japn. J. of Appl. Phys., vol. 19, No. 1, Jan 1980, pp. 121-128.) is characterized by the difficulty of handling large diameter quartz ampoules. In this method, the semiconductor wafer is sealed in a quartz ampoule containing a solid source of diffusion such as ZnAs2. The ampoule is placed on a high vacuum pumping system and evacuated to 10xe2x88x926 torr. The quartz ampoule is then sealed manually using an oxygen/hydrogen torch. The sealed ampoule is then placed in a furnace at the appropriate diffusion temperature. The deficiencies of this method include the manual handling problems involved with large diameter quartz, the large thermal mass requiring longer diffusion times, and the time consuming vacuum processing and sample preparation.
Open tube diffusion may be implemented in a number of different embodiments. Common to all of these embodiments (M. Wada, M. Seko, K. Sakakibara, and Y. Sekiguchi, xe2x80x9cZn diffusion into InP using dimethylzinc as a Zn source,xe2x80x9d Japn. J. of Appl. Phys., vol. 28, no. 10, October 1989, pp. L1700-L 1703; C. Blaauw, et al, xe2x80x9cSecondary ion mass spectrometry and electrical characterization of Zn diffusion in n-type-InP,xe2x80x9d J. Appl. Phys. 66 (2), 1989, pp 605-610; N. Arnold, et al, xe2x80x9cDiffusion in III-V semiconductors from spin-on film sources,xe2x80x9d J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys., 17, 1984, pp. 443-474.) is the requirement to maintain a sufficient overpressure of column V elements to prevent the compound semiconductor from decomposing at the temperatures required for impurity diffusion. This overpressure is usually achieved with the use of a gaseous source of phosphine (PH3) or arsine (AsH3). Both of these gases are extremely hazardous and require special handling, effluent control, licensing, and safety precautions. The cost of such gas handling is usually prohibitive and becomes more complex for larger and larger wafer sizes.
Spin-on diffusion sources are becoming more widely used (N. Arnold, R. Schmitt, K. Heime, xe2x80x9cDiffusion in III-V semiconductors from spin-on film sources,xe2x80x9d J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys., vol. 17, 1984, pp. 443-474.). They are scalable with device size and do not suffer the same requirements for column V overpressure as open tube or sealed-ampoule diffusion. This process does, however, suffer from the standard process variability common to all thin film deposition techniques. The source quality (freshness) and application to the substrate require precise control.
Diffuision is the preferred method of introducing impurities for p-i-n photodiode fabrication. The principal reason is that the material damage introduced by the ion implantation process causes defects that increase the dark current of the device (I. M. Tiginyanu, I. V. Kravetsky, V. V. Ursaki, G. Marowsky, H. L. Hartnagel, xe2x80x9cCrystal order restoration and Zn-impurity activation in InP by As++ plusxe2x80x94coimplantation and annealing,xe2x80x9d Physica Status Solidi (A) Applied Research v 162 n 2 August 1997. p R9-R10). Large dark currents are detrimental to photodiode performance for most applications.
In general, the prior art for diffusion of impurities are limited in process control and scalability. This invention addresses these problems in a completely scalable and controllable method.
The invention relates to photodetectors, principally p-n junction photodiodes, that are defined by the use of an epitaxially grown layer of semiconductor which is doped with the p-type impurity used to define the p-contact of the p-n junction.
Photodiodes, particularly in the array format, are required to be of uniform construction over large areas. The largest substrate diameter commonly available for manufacturing p-i-n photodiodes is 50 mm. One of the limiting steps of device definition is the diffusion of p-type impurity species that define the p-contact of the device. This disclosure proposes a method and the resulting device structure for photodiodes that uses a p-contact definition process and structure that is scalable to larger substrate sizes.
The solution consists of modifying the epitaxial growth to include a cap layer doped heavily with a p-type impurity, nominally Zn (the Zn source layer). This cap layer may consist of 1) InP, or 2) InGaAs lattice-matched to InP, or 3) of any one of a variety of ternary or quaternary III-V semiconductor alloys. This source layer is deposited epitaxially during the initial construction of the device. The Zn source layer is selectively removed by standard photolithography and etching in areas where no Zn diffusion is desired. The active device area where the Zn source layer remains will receive Zn diffusions upon annealing under the appropriate conditions, with appropriate encapsulants, typically SiNx. These conditions may include sealed ampoule diffusion, open-tube diffusion (with proper encapsulation), or rapid thermal annealing (RTA).
An InP source layer may be doped up to a level of approximately 1-3xc3x971018/cm3 without significant out-diffusion of during the epitaxial growth. Calculated diffusion into the underlying InP is less than 500 xc3x85. The InGaAs layer may be Zn-doped up to a level of approximately 1-3xc3x971019/cm3 without significant out-diffusion into the underlying layers during the epitaxial growth.
The process is planar, because the extent of the etch used to define the device will be only slightly larger than the extent of the Zn-source layer.
The invention may be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings.

Epitaxially grown p-type diffusion source for photodiode fabrication


A flexible, breathable, composite is provided. The laminate comprises a middle layer of a padding and top and bottom layer comprising a sheet of water impermeable, moisture-vapor-permeable film bonded to the middle layer and wherein at least one outer surface of the top or bottom layer is provided with a pressure-sensitive biocompatible adhesive. Preferably the top and bottom layers comprise a composite of (a) a flexible, first sheet of hydrophobic material; and (b) a continuous hydrophilic sheet attached to or penetrating the first sheet, and forming a contamination barrier. The composite is useful in diverse applications such as a padding under orthopedic casts.

Fabrics used for underpadding for limb casts have included cotton, foams, synthetics such as polyester fiberfill and wool. The major functions of underpadding are cushioning. Most currently available underpaddings lose some of their functionality when immersed in water. Water can cause padding to compress or to shift due to weight gain. In addition, a water-saturated underpadding is not useful for transfer of moisture away from the skin. This loss of function is especially critical when the padding is worn by a person for extended periods. Prolonged wetness next to the skin causes skin breakdown and possible infection sites. It is therefore desirable to provide a padding which will not be adversely affected by exposure to water. It is also desirable to provide padding that will allow the transfer of water vapors so that perspiration and other body fluids can escape.
In the past, several methods have been used to overcome some of the drawbacks of padding. Quilting has been used to prevent padding from shifting, while maintaining high loft and bulkiness desirable in padding. Bonding padding to a fabric backing also prevents shifting. Fiberfill consists of crimped fibers to help maintain fluffiness and air space, even upon exposure to water. Hollow fibers also contain air space which add insulating value. Synthetic fibers are generally less absorbent than natural ones and have been used to wick fluids away from the skin into more absorbent backings. However, fluid saturation results in loss of function.
Large quantities of padding are used under immobilizing orthopedic casts or braces. Traditional cast underpadding consists of cotton or polyester wraps in 2 inch to 6 inch widths. Care is taken when applying the underpadding to avoid folds or creases which can cause pressure sores to the skin. The immobilizing material applied on top of this padding is usually made of plaster of Paris or polyurethane-coated fiberglass. Plaster of Paris immobilizing materials disintegrate when in contact with water and cast wearers are told not to expose the cast to any water at all. Cast wearers with fiberglass immobilizing material are usually told not to immerse the cast in water, even though polyurethane casts can withstand water immersion. If a traditionally padded polyurethane cast is immersed, the padding remains wet for many hours, and the result can be skin maceration. In some cases, this maceration can lead to skin breakdown and infection by bacteria or fungi. Cast padding material manufacturers often caution against water immersion and state that if a cast is wet, it should be completely dried with a hair dryer. This drying process can take several hours and patient compliance is extremely low. Some cast wearers use plastic bags with rubber bands around the end to keep water away from the cast while showering. Water often enters the bag and wets the padding which causes discomfort to the wearer. As a result, many cast wearers do not want to get their cast wet and spend the time they are wearing a cast without a normal shower or bath. In addition, cast wearers cannot swim or use any form of hydrotherapy.
It is widely recognized that paddings must be "breathable" to be comfortable. However, it is not necessary that air pass through the padding for it to be comfortable, only that water vapor from perspiration or other sources be transmitted from the skin outwards through the padding. "Breathability" and the ability to transport interior moisture vapor to the external environment are used interchangeably herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,711 relates to a flexible, breathable, nonlinting composite comprising a middle layer of padding and a top and bottom comprising a sheet of porous water impermeable, moisture-vapor-permeable film bonded to the middle layer. Although the properties of the composite padding are greatly desirable, the material is difficult to use in roll form as the material untangles quite easily. Moreover, during use with an orthopedic cast, the padding tends to migrate or shift under the polyurethane-fiberglass or other immobilizing material. Thus there is a need to provide an improved padding that is easier to both apply and use, as well as prevent migration or shifting under the rigid immobilizing layer and also provides improved molding and conformance to the applied area.
As used herein, the term "porous, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene" is as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,953,566. The term "breathable" as used herein means the ability to transport moisture from the humid side of a hydrophilic member and discharge the moisture on the dry side of the member, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,041. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,953,566 and 4,194,041 in addition to U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,711 are assigned to assignee herein and all are incorporated here by reference thereto. The term quilt, quilted and quilting refer to a pattern of discretely-shaped cells.
Further as used herein, the term "biocompatible" means a material that passes the following USP biological tests without causing skin irritation or sensitization: Primary Skin Irritation TA001, Intracutaneous Reactivity Test TA044-800, and Sensitization, Maximization Method (Kligman) TA006.

Adhesive-backed breathable layered materials


A device, system and method for detecting flaws in a magnetic material includes a wheeled scanner having two detectors and arranged for travel over a flat surface. The first detector is a horizontal magnet-sensor arrangement that generates a magnetic field in a direction generally parallel to a central horizontal axis of the scanner. The second is a vertical magnet-sensor arrangement that generates a magnetic field in a direction generally perpendicular to the central horizontal axis of the scanner. A set of computer executable instructions uses data collected by the first detector to detect a flaw in the magnetic material and data collected at a same time by the second detector to determine a location of the detected flaw relative to a top and bottom surface of the magnetic material.

Above ground oil tanks require regular inspection for corrosion flaws. The oil in the tank, as well as the soil underneath the tank, can corrode the tank over time.
Magnetic flux leakage ("MFL") is one technique that is commonly used in corrosion flaw detection for pipelines and flat plates. In a flat plate without any flaw, magnetic flux passes unperturbed from one magnet to another through the flat plate. When a flaw is introduced into the plate, the magnetic flux tends to bulge around the flaw and out of the plate due to the change in permeability. This stray magnetic flux can be picked up with any flux sensing device. Any spike in magnetic flux is indicative of a significant change in plate dimensions at that point.
In the past, induction coil sensors were common for MFL applications. Because induction occurs due to a change in magnetic flux, and change in magnetic flux will vary depending on the speed of the sensor moving over the flaw, induction coil sensors are velocity dependent. Velocity dependence means that the signal response of the magnetic flux sensing tool depends in part on the user. As such, velocity independent magnetic flux sensors are preferred.
One velocity independent option is the giant magnetoresistive ("GMR") sensor. A GMR sensor sees a large change in resistance when a magnetic field is applied. The sensor does this by sandwiching a 10-angstrom layer of copper between two layers that have particular electron spin. The first layer polarizes the passing electrons and the second layer spins similarly, opposite, or somewhere in between depending on the alignment and strength of the magnetic field. When the second layer spins oppositely, the passing electrons scatter, increasing resistance. When the second layer spins similarly, the passing electrons pass through with less scatter, lowering resistance.
GMR sensors have a single direction of sensitivity and, because of this, only magnetic flux traveling in that single direction is registered. Stronger magnetic fields more aligned with the sensor's one direction lead to a larger current through the sensor. As a sensor is turned away from the applied magnetic field, the sensor sees a sinusoidal drop off until it reaches zero signal response at 90 degrees.
There are two different types of GMR sensors: magnetometers and gradiometers. Magnetometers measure the magnitude of magnetic flux at a given point. Gradiometers measure the difference between two points of a finite distance apart on the gradiometer, essentially providing an approximation of the distance derivative of the magnetometer response.
To date, there is no velocity independent MFL detection system that can, in a single pass, reliably detect a flaw and pinpoint the flaw's location at, or toward, the top or bottom side of the plate. Horizontal arrangements can detect flaws but not pinpoint their location because the magnetic response from a top flaw is the same as that from a bottom flaw. And vertical arrangements, while capable of generating large response from top side flaws, often miss bottom side flaws (see Bradley Jellison, Corrosion Flaw Detection using Magnetic Flux Leakage and Giant Magnetoresistive Sensors, M. S. Thesis, The University of Tulsa, 2013, hereby incorporated by reference).
U.S. Pat. No. 7,944,203 B2 to Hatanaka et al. discloses a system intended to detect decreases in the thickness of a magnetic material, such as reinforcing steel, when covered by a non-magnetic material such as concrete. A magnet-resistive effect sensor is located between north pole and south pole magnets. This horizontal arrangement can detect a top or bottom flaw but cannot reliably pinpoint whether the flaw's location is at, or toward, the top or bottom side of the plate.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,809 to Tiernan et al. discloses a coil or solenoid that generates and applies a magnetic field generally perpendicular to the material being tested. The sensitive axis of the sensor can be arranged orthogonal to or parallel to the principal axis of the coil. Regardless of the axis' arrangement, the sensor remains located between the two pole magnets, similar to Hatanaka's horizontal arrangement and cannot pinpoint location. Additionally, the coil is velocity dependent.
US 2010/0219818 A1 to Fischer et al. discloses an array of GMR sensors electrically connected in parallel and arranged in an axial or radial direction relative to the pipe. The magnetization direction is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, similar to that Hatanaka's and Tiernan's horizontal arrangements.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,888,346 B2 to Wincheski et al. discloses an eddy current device that detects flaws in thick multilayer conductive materials. In one embodiment, a permanent magnet is positioned next to the sensor to bias the sensor. The sensor is not placed below the magnet and above the conductive material.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,995,557 B2 to Goldfine et al. discloses the use of high resolution conformable eddy sensor arrays arranged for transverse, diagonal, and longitudinal scanning to measure the quality characteristics of fusion welds (see see also US 2004/0004475 A1 to Goldfine et a. (disclosing eddy current sensor arrays for crack detection)). US 2005/0007108 A1 to Dogaru discloses an eddy current probe for detecting cracks initiating at the edge of holes in metallic structures.
A need exists for a velocity independent MFL detection system that can, in a single pass, reliably pinpoint a flaw and the flaw's location relative to the top or bottom side of the plate/SUMMARY
An embodiment of a two-component magnetic flux leakage ("MFL") detection system uses a horizontal magnet-sensor arrangement in combination with a vertical magnet-sensor arrangement for detecting and locating flaws or corrosion damage in a metallic material. Preferably, the sensor arrangements make use of giant magnetoresistive ("GMR") sensors or Hall effect sensors, making the system velocity independent. The horizontal arrangement reliably detects a top or bottom side flaw. The vertical arrangement generates no response (or, at best, a small, often unnoticeable, response) when detecting a bottom side flaw and a large response when detecting a top side flaw. The vertical magnet-sensor's inability (or lack of reliability) in detecting bottom side flaws is used in combination with the horizontal magnet-sensor arrangement ability to detect top and bottom flaws in order to pinpoint the flaw's location at, or toward, the top or bottom side of the plate.
An embodiment of a device that implements the system and method is a wheeled cart or scanner in which the horizontal sensor is mounted on an underside of the scanner carriage, with the vertical sensor arranged at a forward or rearward end of the cart. In another embodiment, both sensors are located on the underside of the scanner carriage, with the vertical sensor located toward the forward or rearward end of the carriage. A computer processor and its associated software collect and analyze the sensor signals.
In a method using the system, the horizontal magnet-sensor arrangement identifies a flaw in the metallic material object such as a flat plate or a bottom of an oil tank. If the flaw can be visually identified, then the flaw is marked and its location entered into a database. If there is no visual identification of the flaw's location—as can be the case when the plate is coated—then the flaw is analyzed with the vertical magnet-sensor arrangement. If there is a response from the vertical magnet-sensor, then the flaw is located toward the top side of the plate. If there is no response, the flaw is at or located toward the bottom side. The flaw is then marked and its location entered into the database. Regardless of top or bottom side location, the depth of the flaw can be determined using a response model.
Objectives of this invention are to provide a flaw detection and location system, device and method that (1) is velocity independent; (2) can detect flaw location regardless of top or bottom orientation or coating thickness; (3) eliminates the need to remove coating in order to identify a flaw's location; (4) is not dependent on operator skill or technique; and (5) is portable and amenable for use in applications such as oil tank inspections.

Velocity independent two-component magnetic flux leakage detective system


Link layer authentication information is supplied by a link layer authentication device to an access router for tracking IP address usage by a client device. The authentication information supplied to the access router includes an authenticated client identifier and a corresponding authenticated link identifier for the client device that attached to the network based on the authenticated link identifier. The access router, in response to receiving a message that specifies the authenticated link identifier and a source IP address, adds the source IP address to a cache entry that specifies the authenticated client identifier and the corresponding authenticated link identifier, and outputs to an audit resource a record that specifies the source IP address and the authenticated link identifier.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to management of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses used by network nodes. In particular, the present invention relates to tracking usage of IP addresses back to network nodes, for example based on the IP addresses having been used for illegal activity such as Denial of Service, virus/worm attacks, distribution of spam (unwanted e-mail), or for tracking usage of IP addresses relative to Quality of Service policies, or to monitor node mobility.
2. Description of the Related Art
Network administrators have encountered a dramatic increase in the number of Denial of Service (DOS) attacks and spoof packet attacks in the last few years. It has always been difficult to identify the source of the attacks, namely the individual host computer that is specifically responsible for the attacks. In particular, IP-based networks typically include resources for maintaining network operations; however, network state is not preserved for future analysis. Hence, if an attack is detected, there is no audit trail preserved that enables an authoritative source to trace the origin of the attack with sufficient information to identify a specific individual user.
In addition, enforcement efforts in protecting against various forms of abuse are frustrated due to the untraceability of the network address, because there is no authoritative technique for correlating a network address to a user identity.
Monitoring of link layer addresses (e.g., MAC layer addresses) is insufficient, since the link layer information that could be used to identify the origin of the attack is lost after the packet has passed the first hop router. The IEEE 802.1x standard provides for layer 2 authentication but does not specify methods for collecting layer 3 addressing information. Further, efforts to block a link layer address do not scale well in deployment; link layer addresses also can be "spoofed", and computers may have multiple network interfaces having respective link layer addresses, for example a first MAC address for a wired IEEE 802.3 interface, and a second MAC address for a wireless IEEE 802.11 interface.
Further, the link layer is not necessarily tied to the IP network layer; hence, a user that is attached by a link layer can send packets onto the network with an arbitrary IP network source address, for example dynamically-allocated network addresses based on Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) or dial-up services. This arbitrary network address utilized by the user also is typically the only reference available to an enforcement entity to identify the requesting source.
Attempts at providing authentication services have addressed assigning an authenticated IP address to a user, such attempts fail to address the problem that a malicious user may still use an unassigned address. Examples of existing authentication services include Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) as described in the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Request for Comments (RFC) 2865, available at the IETF website address "www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2865.txt". The RADIUS authentication records an IP address having been assigned to a user. In particular, a user of a dial-up PPP service may connect to a service via an identifiable dial-up port (e.g., "41"), provide authentication information including user identifier (e.g., "john_adams") and password; hence, the RADIUS service can authenticate the user identifier (e.g., "john_adams") based on the password, and correlate the authenticated user identifier to the dial-up port "41". The RADIUS service also will determine that the PPP negotiation has supplied the user a prescribed assigned IP address "X.Y.B.C"; hence, the RADIUS service can store in its internal database that the assigned IP address "X.Y.B.C" was assigned to user "john_adams" on the dial-up port "41".
As described above, however, the existing systems have monitored only the IP address that have been assigned to a user, and not necessarily the actual IP addresses that are used by the user. However, the same enforcement issues arise because a source node may use an alternate IP address (e.g., "Y.X.Q.R") that differs from the IP address having been assigned to the user (e.g., "X.Y.B.C").
Although application-level proxy resources and Network Address Translator (NAT) devices are able to utilize proxy authentication to associate user names to IP addresses, there is no guarantee that all data traffic will pass through the application-level proxy resources or the NAT devices. Hence, a rogue device can circumvent the application-level proxy resources and NAT devices to avoid detection.

Arrangement for tracking IP address usage based on authenticated link identifier


The apparatus for determining rotational position of a rotatable element without contacting it includes a sensor device having two Hall or AMR sensor elements for sensing a magnetic field of magnetic field strength (B) generated by or influenced by the rotational position of the rotatable element and for producing output signals according to the magnetic field and thus the rotational position of the rotatable element. In order to easily detect the absolute rotational position of the rotatable element, the sensor device is constructed and positioned with respect to the rotatable element so that in every rotational position the field lines from the rotatable element extend at right angles to the sensor structures defined by the direction of an alternating current in the sensor elements. Using different embodiments of an electronic evaluation circuit, the direction components of the magnetic field are evaluated to determine the rotational position by comparing the input current to one of the sensors and the sum of the output signals of the respective sensor elements. Either sinusoidal or rectangular alternating voltages or direct voltages are input to the sensor elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an apparatus for determining rotational position of a rotatable element, especially a rotating shaft in a motor vehicle, without contacting it and, more particularly, to an apparatus for determining rotational position that includes a sensor device having Hall or AMR sensor elements for sensing a magnetic field of magnetic field strength (B) generated by or influenced by the rotational position of the rotatable element and for producing output signals according to the magnetic field and thus the rotational position of the rotatable element.
2. Prior Art
An apparatus of this type, with which detection of the angle of rotation can be carried out, is known from EP-O 217 478 B1, for example. Here the magnetic field lines issuing from a rotating magnet are detected and evaluated by an angle sensor, which is formed from two parallel thin films of magnetically soft material. The magnetic films in the angle sensor are mounted such that in the plane of the field lines power supply connections and voltage measuring connections, respectively, are staggered by 45.degree. and connected to the two films. Due to resistance anisotropy in the films the result is a sensor signal dependent on the direction of the angular position of the field lines, a signal that can be processed in an evaluation circuit. In this known configuration, however, angle determination can take place only in the range of 180.degree., which results in higher cost for proper detection of the angular position.
Sampling of incremental structures on gear wheels made of ferromagnetic material is also known, where sampling is carried out using contactless sensor configurations, for ignition control in internal combustion engines or for speed detection for anti-lock systems, for example. An article in VDI-Bericht, No. 509 (VDI-Verlag 1984), Pages 263 to 268, entitled "Neue, alternative Losungen fur Drehzahlsensoren im Kraftfahrzeug auf magnetoresistiver Basis" New Alternative Solutions for Magnetoresistive-Based Speed Sensors in Motor Vehicles!, for example, describes how sampling of incremental structures on rotating shafts or gear wheels in a manner that is especially simple and particularly insensitive to air-gap fluctuations can be carried out using magnetic tangential probes as sensors. This is possible because the sign of the tangential component of a permanent magnet located in the sensor is not a function of the size of the air gap between the sensor and the rotatable elements. A change in this sign can only be effected by a further rotor-like movement of the shaft or gear wheel, by which means an incremental change in the angle of rotation of a gear wheel can be detected.
The known publication cited above also describes the use of sensors that utilize the "Hall effect" for sampling a change in a magnetic field on page 264 in section 3.3. These Hall sensors, the design of which is known, utilize deflection of a current flowing between two connection poles brought about by a magnetic field positioned perpendicular to it. In this case a charge carrier displacement in the direction of the magnetic field lines results in the development of "Hall voltage," which can be tapped at right angles to the current flow direction. Utilizing the properties of Hall structures in semiconductor materials that are optimum for this purpose, the current flow direction in this Hall structure generally runs coplanarly in the plane of a "semi-conductor wafer," for example a silicon semiconductor chip.
The tangential field detection necessary for sampling on rotatable elements is in this case disadvantageous, since as a result of the unavoidable tangential lengthening of the conventional type of Hall sensor, a considerable air gap between the rotatable element and the sensor results (approximately 2 mm to 4 mm) and the effect of the field lines running perpendicular to the wafer plane is sharply reduced. Since the field strength decreases exponentially in relation to the distance between the rotatable element and the sensor, the measurement effect that can be evaluated becomes very small in this case. In order to detect a signal that is not a function of the air gap using the known method, differential detection of the radially oriented field must be carried out with two Hall sensors that may also need to be adjusted, especially to the increment widths (tooth spacing in gear wheels). Use of materials having a higher sensitivity oriented in a different direction such as magnetoresistive thin-film sensors, permalloy sensors or even "pseudo-Hall sensors" as an alternative to silicon semiconductor Hall sensors is possible, but the manufacturing technology for these materials is expensive, particularly if they are to be connected to an amplifier circuit or integrated with it.
In addition, Hall sensors are known (from Sensors and Materials, 5.2 (1993) 091-101, MYU, Tokyo, the article "Simulation, Design and Fabrication of a Vertical Hall Device for Two-Dimensional Magnetic Field Sensing" by M. Parajape, Lg. Ristic and W. Allegretto) in which the Hall structure extends perpendicular to the wafer surface to the depth of a silicon chip. Thus in this case detection of the tangentially oriented field is possible without increasing the air gap to an intolerable degree.
These Hall sensors, as known from the second publication, require a small degree of expansion and consequently a very small air gap, which consists essentially of only the wafer thickness (approximately 400 .mu.m) plus a protective coating. Detection of components of a two-dimensional magnetic field using two Hall sensors that are offset by 90.degree. is also known from this publication.

Apparatus for determining rotational position of a rotatable element without contacting it


An electronic control unit that can execute object-oriented program processing without consuming much memory. When a message is dispatched due to execution of an object method, that message is stored (queued) in an object message holding part. At the point in time when execution of an object method finishes, message delivery processing is executed. If a message has been stored in the object message holding part, the number of queuing messages is counted, the message stored first is read out, and a shift is made to execution of the method of the object that is the output destination of that message. As a result, only messages need to be stored, and the amount of stored information, and thus the amount of memory required to store the information, is small.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to electronic control units, and more particularly to a control unit for controlling multiple control objects in accordance with an object-oriented program in a manner that minimizes the amount of required memory storage space for queuing of inter-object messages.
2. Related Art
Conventionally, an electronic control unit for a vehicle engine includes an engine control program with various types of control schemes. For example, regarding fuel injection control, programs exist for ordinary injection control synchronized with engine speed, injection control not synchronized with engine speed, and fuel cut control for times of high engine speeds.
However, as each of the programs includes programming code that is redundant with that of other programs, additional memory is required to store the programs, and program development time is increased. For example, in the above-mentioned example of fuel injection control, identical control code for driving injectors (fuel injection valves) is redundantly provided in each of the programs. Therefore, when for example control specifications have to be changed for these redundant code sections, it is necessary for the code in each of the programs to be changed, thereby greatly increasing the time required to make such changes.
Object-oriented programming enables the above-mentioned programming code redundancies to be greatly reduced. Such programming includes several objects, with each object being a software module formed by bringing together data and a program (hereinafter called a method) for processing that data. In other words, in object-oriented programming, all the functions of a control program are fractionalized into unit functions, and objects are prepared for those unit functions. Through what is known as inter-object message communication, message exchanges are carried out between objects, thereby enabling the objects to be linked together.
Referring to FIG. 28, a program for controlling engine idling speed based on object-oriented programming will be described. In FIG. 28, objects are represented by vertical lines, and message exchanges between these objects are represented by left-right direction arrows. Also, the rectangular boxes on the object lines represent object processing.
At this point it should be noted that, in this specification, expressions such as xe2x80x9cthe object does . . . xe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cobjects do . . . xe2x80x9d indicate functions realized by the CPU as it executes methods of objects in carrying out the above-mentioned actions. Further, phrases such as xe2x80x9cthe object operatesxe2x80x9d indicates the CPU executing a method of that object.
Regarding the functions of the objects shown in FIG. 28, the ISC object is an object for calculating a target throttle aperture for bringing the engine speed to an optimum idling speed based on the engine water temperature value. The water temperature sensor object is an object for converting a digital value obtained by A/D-converting an analog signal from an engine water temperature sensor into a water temperature value. The A/D-converter object is an object for controlling an A/D-converter for converting the analog signal from the water temperature sensor into a digital value. The throttle controller object is an object for controlling the throttle valve of the engine to the target throttle aperture calculated by the ISC object.
Next, the content of processing realized by the objects of FIG. 28 will be explained. During idling speed control timing, the ISC object starts to operate (that is, the CPU starts to execute a method of the ISC object). Then, as shown by [1] of FIG. 28, the ISC object sends a water temperature acquisition request message to the water temperature sensor object.
Consequently, the water temperature sensor object operates, and as shown by [2] of FIG. 28, sends a water temperature A/D value acquisition request message to the A/D-converter object. Along with the water temperature A/D value acquisition request method, the A/D-converter object converts the analog signal from the water temperature sensor into a digital signal.
The A/D-converter object, when it has finished the above-mentioned computation, as shown by [3] of FIG. 28, sends a water temperature A/D value acquisition response message (that is, a message to the effect that digital conversion of the water temperature sensor has finished) to the water temperature sensor object. When this happens, the water temperature sensor object calculates a water temperature value based on the computation results of the A/D-converter object. After this calculation, as shown by [4] of FIG. 28, the water temperature sensor object sends a water temperature acquisition response message (that is, a message to the effect that the calculation of a water temperature value has finished) to the ISC object.
Subsequently, along with the above-mentioned water temperature acquisition response message, the ISC object calculates a target throttle aperture based on the water temperature value thus calculated. The ISC object then sends a throttle setting request message (that is, a message showing that the target throttle aperture has been calculated) to the throttle controller object as shown by [5] of FIG. 28.
When this happens, the throttle controller object operates, and controls a throttle valve of the engine to the calculated target throttle aperture. The engine speed is thereby controlled to an optimum idling speed.
Therefore, in the above-described object-oriented program, by virtual inter-object message communication wherein objects dispatch messages constituting processing requests to other objects to cause the other objects to operate, the processing order of the objects is determined.
If a program is created based on object-oriented programming, it becomes easy to bring together common parts of the program, and, compared to the above-discussed programs that have redundant programming code, amendment of the object-oriented program becomes simple if program specifications are changed.
When a program is created through object-oriented programming, it is necessary to consider the method of inter-object processing request exchange (inter-object message communication). For such communication, it is conceivable to apply a previously known technique using function calls for inter-object message communication. With function calls, as shown in FIG. 29, a command calling the object method to be processed next is pre-written. When inter-object message communication is to be carried out successively, a command calling another object method is pre-written in the called object method.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 29, during execution of a method of an object A, a method of an object B is called. Further, during execution of the method of the object B, a method of an object C is called. That is, by function calls, messages constituting processing requests are dispatched to other objects.
As methods for utilizing memory for executing this kind of program, there are active (memory is not secured for storing specific data, but is secured when necessary, and is released when not needed) and static (while the microcomputer is operating, memory is secured for exclusive use in correspondence with content to be stored) methods. In the case of active utilization, memory can be secured universally, irrespective of the content (size/number) of the data, and limited memory resources can be utilized effectively.
For active memory utilization, normally, memory area is managed by the computer operating system (OS). When managed by the OS, system calls such as memory area acquisition and release commands are executed with respect to the OS, and the processing load of the program is large, because memory area provision is secured universally, irrespective of the content (size/number) of the data. Therefore, it is desirable for memory to be managed statically to increase the operating speed, and to be constructed so that it can be actively managed.
However, with the method described above using function calls, execution of the method of the side that made the call is temporarily suspended. After the method of the side that was called is executed, execution of the method that had been suspended is restarted. Thus, to restart the execution of the method that had been suspended, the internal state of the microcomputer before the suspension (that is, the values of the program counters and various registers) must be stored in a stack area of a RAM, thereby requiring additional memory.
In particular, as the number of nestings increases (that is, combinations of calls formed in multiple layers), the amount of RAM consumed increases. In a device such as an electronic control unit whose memory resources are limited, this additional RAM requirement becomes problematic. Furthermore, concerning the amount of RAM required during calling, because the program execution position and values of variables to be used after execution resumption that should be stored change according to sensor inputs and the execution states of other programs, it is difficult to predict the amount of memory that must be pre-secured, thereby making it difficult to use a static memory-type method.
In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic control unit that can execute object-oriented programming without consuming a large amount of memory.
More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic control unit capable of executing object-oriented programming to control a control target in real time with minimum memory requirements compared to the memory requirements of conventional control programs.
An electronic control unit according to the invention includes a plurality of unit processors for respectively carrying out processing, in accordance with objects of an object-oriented program, for realizing unit functions that control the objects.
The unit processors are realized by the processor of a microcomputer operating in accordance with an object-oriented program. That is, the processor executes a method of an object to carry out processing for realizing a function allocated to that object. In the electronic control unit of the present invention, as a premise thereof, one of the plurality of unit processors selectively carries out a processing operation, and, by the various unit processors dispatching messages constituting processing requests to other unit processors, the unit processors that are the output destinations of those messages carry out processing.
The electronic control unit of the present invention secures in advance a storage memory area for exclusive use, and stores messages dispatched by the unit processor in this dedicated memory area. Also, the electronic control unit reads a message stored in the message dedicated memory area, and starts processing in whichever of the unit processors is the output destination of the read message.
Therefore, with the electronic control unit of the present invention, memory can be used without the need for reliance on an operating system. Therefore, it is possible to process objects obtained by fractionalizing a program for controlling a control object at a high operating speed into unit functions. Furthermore, because only messages required to start the processing of the unit processors are stored in the memory area secured for exclusive use, the amount of memory that should be secured can be estimated easily, thereby making it possible to reduce the amount of required memory.

Electronic control unit having reduced inter-object message memory requirements for object-oriented control program


An improved structure for a child-driven electric car which can be safely remotely controlled. A propulsion mechanism driven by a motor is disposed at the rear of the electric car, and a base board is welded under the rear end of the car frame for mounting a seat. An arch base is disposed under a central portion of the car frame. Pedals on the car have a starting switch and a brake switch step, while an operating switch control box is located on a central portion of the car frame. The child can easily drive the car, while the adults can use the remote controller to control the safety controller on the electric car for controlling the moving direction of the electric car so as to prevent the electric car from going into any dangerous area and thus avoid injury of the child.

As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional child-played car is pedal-driven by a child. Such child-operated car has a chain under its frame for power transmission. When such a mechanical car is changed into an electrical car, the transmission is removed and other basic elements containing circuit wires and auxiliary safety device are mounted. These circuit wires must be hidden for each assembly, to keep a beautiful appearance and to avoid damage. Furthermore, the conventional car frame has many support boards welded thereon. These support boards are formed with threaded holes or through holes which are disposed with a certain processing error. In addition, the support boards often cannot be accurately mounted in their true positions. Also, it requires much time to assembly these elements.
Moreover, a conventional mechanical pedal-type of child-operated car is not designed with any safety device to control the movement of the car. In contrast to the conventional car, an electric child-driven car can be equipped with a safety control device which permits the car to be remotely controlled so that the moving direction of the car can be immediately changed to prevent the car from moving toward a dangerous area.

Chassis structure for a remote controlled child driven electric car


A system includes an audio input, a transceiver, and a processor. The processor is programmed to receive a voice query from a vehicle occupant per the audio input, evaluate the query locally to provide initial search results, in parallel, utilize the transceiver to concurrently evaluate the query using one or more remote digital assistants to receive historical and new search results, and merge the local results and the remote results to provide additional lazy load search results.

Digital assistants generally relate to application programs that understand natural language voice commands and complete tasks for the user. Virtual assistants are typically cloud-based programs that require internet-connected devices and/or applications to work. As a result, such systems may have significant latency in their responses to queries. Nevertheless, the convenience of digital assistants continues to improve, and the adoption of such systems continues to increase.

Pre-fetch and lazy load results of in-vehicle digital assistant voice searches


Disclosed is an otherwise conventional sports cap-like hat with two weatherproof, zippered pouches for storing and transporting personal items such as keys, wallets, money, etc. attached to the rear portion thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to sporting clothing and apparel and, more particularly, to a sportsman's cap with zippered, weatherproof storage pouches attached thereto.
2. Description of the Related Art
A common problem associated with participating in outdoor sporting activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, running and the like relates to storage of personal items such as keys, wallets, money and other miscellaneous personal items. People tend to lose these items because of the loose fitting clothing and the frequent, vigorous body movements associated with these activities. Furthermore, wading in streams and lakes as well as exposure to rainy weather can lead to water infiltration of the one's pockets, thereby soaking, damaging and possibly ruining the contents thereof. Additionally, the clothing worn during some of these activities do not include a means to store these items (e.g. running shorts, etc.), thus prohibiting the carrying of personal items altogether. Accordingly, the need has arisen for an effective means for storing and carrying personal items that is both weatherproof and adaptable for use with the many types of clothing worn during varying outdoor sporting activities.
The present invention solves these and many other problems by providing a sports cap equipped with a pair of waterproof, zippered pockets that provide a means by which the wearer can carry his or her personal belongings during various outdoor activities. The pockets provide protection from the elements and can even withstand complete submersion in water. Available in a variety of different styles and colors, the present invention is a stylish accessory for virtually any type of sporting clothing outfit.
In the ancillary art, there are several hats and caps disclosed that include pockets and other means by which the wearer can transport various articles. U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,813, issued in the name of Henschel, discloses a cap with transparent pockets located on the cap just above the brim. The pockets are constructed of a transparent material and are intended to allow the wearer display an object therein. The intent and function of the cap disclosed in the Henschel patent is distinguishable from the present invention in several aspects. The pockets are located on the front of the cap, are intended for display purposes, and are not sealable, waterproof nor sufficient to carry personal items of the size anticipated by the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,847, issued in the name of Spicijaric, discloses a cap with transparent picture retaining pocket located on the cap just above the brim. The pocket is constructed of a transparent material and is intended to allow the wearer display an object therein. Access to the pocket is gained from the inside portion of the cap. The intent and function of such a cap is distinguishable from the present invention in several aspects. In the Spicijaric disclosure, the pocket is located on the front of the cap, is intended for display purposes, and is not sealable, waterproof nor sufficient to carry personal items of the size anticipated by the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,312,076, issued in the name of Gamm, discloses a cap with an integral pocket located on the cap just above the brim. The pocket is intended to allow the wearer to hold smaller sized personal items therein. Access to the pocket is gained through a flap secured to the cap by a hook and loop fastener device. The design and function of such a cap is distinguishable from the present invention in several aspects. In the Gamm disclosure, the pocket is located on the front of the cap, it is not waterproof, and it is not sufficient to carry personal items of the size anticipated by the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,546,709, issued in the name of Cross and U.S. Pat. No. 2,795,890, issued in the name of Metsker, disclose fishing hats with hat rings that are intended to allow the wearer to secure fishing hooks, lures and other tackle thereto. The Cross device utilizes a magnetic band to secure the tackle whereas the Metsker device consists of a belt designed to allow the wearer to attach the tackle thereto by inserting the hooks into a sponge material included thereon. The design and function of these hats is distinguishable from the present invention in several aspects. There are no pockets, it is not waterproof, and it is not intended to nor sufficient for carrying personal similar to those anticipated by the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 333,375, issued in the name of Ouelette, discloses a cap with an integral pocket located on the back of the cap. The design and function of this cap is distinguishable from the present invention in several aspects. Although the inventor's intent is not disclosed, it is apparent from the figures that access to the pocket is gained through a flap. Furthermore, it is also apparent from the figures that the pocket is not of a size sufficient to accommodate personal items of the size anticipated by the present invention. Finally, the figures do not indicate any waterproof characteristics of the pouch.
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 300,080, issued in the name of Wyatt, discloses a fisherman's tackle hat with a series of integral pockets located around the hat body just above the rim. The pockets are intended to allow the wearer to hold fishing tackle therein. Access to the pocket is gained through a flap secured to the cap by a snap-type button fastener. The design and function of this cap is distinguishable from the present invention in several aspects. The pockets are not waterproof and are not sufficient to carry personal items of the size anticipated by the present invention.
A search of the previous art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a cap that can be worn during outdoor sporting activities that provides a secure, waterproof means by which the wearer can store his/her personal belongings.


An etchant is supplied to a workpiece. Furthermore, the workpiece is irradiated with spatially modulated light to adjust a temperature profile of said workpiece while etchant is supplied.

In many industrial processes, workpieces, for example wafers, are etched to change the form of the workpiece in some manner. For example, during wafer processing and manufacture wafers, e.g., semiconductor wafers may be etched, for example with the goal to level the wafer, i.e., reduce a total thickness variation (TTV) of the wafer. To give an example, in some cases the wafer thickness influences electrical properties of semiconductor devices formed on the wafer, and therefore a small thickness variation is desirable to reduce variations of the electrical properties of manufactured semiconductor devices. For example, it is expected that in the future thickness variations of ±1 μm will be demanded for 8 inch wafers or even larger wafers.
To level the wafer, etching processes like spin etch processes where an etchant is dispensed on a rotating wafer, are used. For such and other etching processes, it is desirable to locally control the etching rate.


Transformer flux is monitored to determine if an onset of flux saturation is detected. If flux saturation is not detected, the transformer drive signal is received to a switch that maintains the polarity of the transformer flux. If flux saturation is detected, the transformer drive signal is received by a switch that reverses the polarity of the transformer signal and the transformer flux. This reversal of flux polarity can occur multiple times, during the carrier cycle of the drive signal, without compromising the dynamics of the transformer main control loop or requiring the drive signal to be regenerated.

High-frequency transformers (e.g., high frequency link full-bridge DC-DC converter systems, transformers used in plasma cutting applications, etc.) can be used to provide electric power to various electronic systems and equipment. These transformers are often prone to transformer flux saturation, which can result in transformer overheating, and shutdown or catastrophic failure of a system utilizing the transformer. For example, in plasma cutting applications, transformer flux saturation can result in unexpected system failure and stoppage of the plasma cutting operation.
Flux saturation in a transformer can be caused by a number of factors, such as unequal switch duty-cycle ratios, gate-drive circuit time delays, switch transient time tolerances, and unequal switch voltage drops. Flux saturation can also occur due to dynamic changes in switch duty-cycle ratios, such changes that can occur during unit startup and line or load disturbances.


A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having an integrated circuit, a functional element electrically coupled with the integrated circuit, and an array of contact elements connected with the integrated circuit and the functional element. The functional element is configured to protect the integrated circuit from transient voltage.

Semiconductor chips are generally fabricated on a silicon wafer. Recent developments include adding components to increase functionality of the semiconductor chips, and the components tend to occupy some amount of "real estate" on the chip. In addition, electronic devices are becoming smaller, and consumers and manufacturers have a desire to thus make the semiconductor chips smaller. The increase in functionality and miniaturization of semiconductor chips presents challenges to semiconductor chip, device, and package manufacturers.
For these and other reasons there is a need for the present invention.


An applicator system roll for direct or indirect application of a coating medium onto a traveling fiber material web includes a core substantially comprised of a fiber composite material and a cover substantially surrounding the core.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a roll for applicator systems for application of a medium onto a traveling material web, notably a paper or cardboard web.
2. Description of the Related Art
A roll for applicator systems for application of a medium onto a traveling material web is known, e.g., from the German Patent Document No. DE 40 22 334 C2. This patent document describes a method for operation of an applicator and also illustrates an applicator roll possessing a supporting metal core with a polyurethane cover.
Known from the German Patent Document No. DE 296 09 007 U1 is a printing press roll that also features a metallic core as a support element and possesses a cover of fiber composite material.
Due to their structure with a heavy metal core, such rolls have a large inertia and, therefore, in order to achieve short start-up times, require large drive motors and heavy moving elements. Besides, due to an asymmetric structure of the roll or of the metal pipe used (e.g., due to blowhole inclusion) or due to manufacturing inaccuracies, the roll frequently fails to run smoothly, which is difficult to master by balancing. Such unstable rotation of the roll results, especially with elevated quality demands, in a non-uniform coating profile in the machine direction.
These roll configurations today achieve balance ratings of Q=1.6 up to possibly Q=1.0 with running truths up to 50 .mu.m when taking particular measures.